GOD COUNTRY review - Godly
(Reviewed by Melody Werner)
God Country is a 2017 5 issue series written by Donny Cates and illustrated by Geoff Shaw. Published by Image Comics, it follows a Texan family as they live with an Alzheimer's addled grandfather--but when he gets a godsword which returns him to lucidity, his family becomes entangled in a war between gods. It was met with critical acclaim and is what really got Donny and Geoff their currently ongoing Marvel gigs. And it could very well be their magnum opus.
Geoff Shaw is an artist that I may not have given as much deserved credit to in my review of Buzzkill. The guy's an incredible talent, who delivers a somewhat Kirby-esque vision that still suits the story's other themes and inspirations perfectly, that doesn't clash with Shaw's more detailed stylings. The character designs also remind of the King, with loads of the ever wonderful Kirby Krackle throughout. Jason Wordie's coloring further elevates the visuals, bringing a wonderful atmosphere to the whole piece. Rounding things up is John J. Hill, whose lettering really lifts the production up even more. This isn't one of those comics where it's rough around the edges despite having a warm center, though such grungy projects certainly have their place.
Cates, unlike his frequent collaborator, is someone I've never underestimated as a generational talent. I've liked everything I've read of his, albeit to varying degrees. God Country, though, may be the best of them thus far. Trading the humor of Buzzkill and the later Cosmic Ghost Rider for full-on epic drama, and sticking the landing, GC boasts a wonderful and affecting tale that bleeds every single drop of drama from its core premise, or at least near as I can tell. The characters are relatable and easy to empathize with, achieving heights that many far longer comics fail to even reach for in crafting characters you feel like following anywhere. That brevity as a plus extends to just about every aspect of God Country, which tells a satisfying, self-contained story. The dialogue and narration are naturalistic and intriguing, though my one gripe is that it's a bit too on the nose about its point at the end of it. I still maintain that subtlety is a bit of a snake oil in art, which does not apply to every single nook and cranny of every production as some may proclaim, but this particular yarn could've done with something a little less upfront about things.
In its totality, God Country is a relentlessly compelling and emotional read that had me at the edge of my seat throughout. This is the sort of thing I live comics for; unique, fascinating, sincere, spectacular. If this seems like your bag and you haven't already, I highly suggest you give God Country a bash. God Country gets a 10/10.
Masterpiece
Summary:
A top-notch experience that you can only see in comics.
God Country is a 2017 5 issue series written by Donny Cates and illustrated by Geoff Shaw. Published by Image Comics, it follows a Texan family as they live with an Alzheimer's addled grandfather--but when he gets a godsword which returns him to lucidity, his family becomes entangled in a war between gods. It was met with critical acclaim and is what really got Donny and Geoff their currently ongoing Marvel gigs. And it could very well be their magnum opus.
Geoff Shaw is an artist that I may not have given as much deserved credit to in my review of Buzzkill. The guy's an incredible talent, who delivers a somewhat Kirby-esque vision that still suits the story's other themes and inspirations perfectly, that doesn't clash with Shaw's more detailed stylings. The character designs also remind of the King, with loads of the ever wonderful Kirby Krackle throughout. Jason Wordie's coloring further elevates the visuals, bringing a wonderful atmosphere to the whole piece. Rounding things up is John J. Hill, whose lettering really lifts the production up even more. This isn't one of those comics where it's rough around the edges despite having a warm center, though such grungy projects certainly have their place.
Cates, unlike his frequent collaborator, is someone I've never underestimated as a generational talent. I've liked everything I've read of his, albeit to varying degrees. God Country, though, may be the best of them thus far. Trading the humor of Buzzkill and the later Cosmic Ghost Rider for full-on epic drama, and sticking the landing, GC boasts a wonderful and affecting tale that bleeds every single drop of drama from its core premise, or at least near as I can tell. The characters are relatable and easy to empathize with, achieving heights that many far longer comics fail to even reach for in crafting characters you feel like following anywhere. That brevity as a plus extends to just about every aspect of God Country, which tells a satisfying, self-contained story. The dialogue and narration are naturalistic and intriguing, though my one gripe is that it's a bit too on the nose about its point at the end of it. I still maintain that subtlety is a bit of a snake oil in art, which does not apply to every single nook and cranny of every production as some may proclaim, but this particular yarn could've done with something a little less upfront about things.
In its totality, God Country is a relentlessly compelling and emotional read that had me at the edge of my seat throughout. This is the sort of thing I live comics for; unique, fascinating, sincere, spectacular. If this seems like your bag and you haven't already, I highly suggest you give God Country a bash. God Country gets a 10/10.
Masterpiece
Summary:
A top-notch experience that you can only see in comics.
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