Issue: Buzzard #1
Stories and Art by: Eric Powell and Kyle Hotz
Colors by: Dave Stewart and Dan Brown
Letters by: Eric Powel and Nate Piekos
Publisher: Dark Horse
Release Date: June 2010
Pages: 28
Price: $3.50
“The mysterious man known as Buzzard is lost, wondering what
manner of creature he is, following his brutal showdown with the
loathsome Zombie Priest in Eric Powell’s celebrated Goon Year. Buzzard
leaves home, wandering into the shadowy spirit realm of the forest. A
dark path leads to a village living in fear of a bestial race of
savages. More animal than man, these creatures hunt the villagers and
drag them from their slumber in the depth of night. As a bonus, readers
will delight in the new Billy the Kid’s Old Timey Oddities
short stories, which revive 2005 series that paired Eric Powell with
artist Kyle Hotz and leads up to the three-issue series launch in
September 2010. “
Artwork: 4.0 out of 5
Ah good ol’ Eric Powell, how we all miss your unique style. For those
not familiar with Eric’s work, I wonder when it was you crawled out from
under that rock, because his stuff has been everywhere! In all
seriousness though, Eric has a great style that merges what I consider
to be the classic horror look with a more modern touch. The modern part
of course being a more flat edge style that we see in today’s books.
The other nice touch you find with Eric’s work is the subtle scenes
packed with detail. At times I think I am looking at just another
panel, but as I really look at it I find a treasure chest of
beauty. So on top of that we add in some amazing color work that just
flows so well with the style of art. I feel like this whole thing could
be hung at an art museum to showcase its nice watercolor appearance.
So with all of that said, the lettering in the main story just comes
across to me as dull. I don’t like the feel of a marker style font with
this. I think it takes away from the beauty of the work. When you have
actual speech balloons, they fit in perfectly with the style, but the
monologue spots just don’t fit if you ask me.
Story: 4.0 out of 5
This was different than what I expected going in. Yes I am familiar with
the main character, so I do know his motivations and what he’s mostly
all about. For those of you who don’t know much about Buzzard, you get a
nice recap of sorts at the beginning of this issue. What kind of threw
me off though was the change in tone as the story progressed. The
opening monologue actually came off as kind of poetic as you get a feel
for the man and start to care a little. Then you hit the middle of the
story and it begins to have a shift to the kind of style we would
expect to find in The Goon. So is it really good or bad, that
this takes place? Well I think that the way the story was progressing
you were able to dive into the characters soul and really understand
how he sees things. Then when the jump occurs, you’re treated to a more
fun filled, crazy antic approach that I would say is the nature I
think most expected to find here. Nothing is taken away, but it does in
retrospect, feel almost like two different stories.
Dying Breath: 4.0 out of 5
So how does it all come together? Very nicely actually! I know that I
kinda of complained about the story a little, but it does give the
reader what they should expect from Powell. We have seen him approach
his stories with the dark overtone that is filled with sadness, madness
and humor before, so this is just on the same point as before. The
artwork is fantastic, and really can carry this book on its spine all by
itself. A great monologue and some funny lines make this one a winner
in my book. I just think it is as simple as knowing what to expect and
then getting treated to a new story. Plus you get a backup story that
is fantastic. For those of you not familiar with the Billy the Kid mini
series I suggest checking it out as well. Overall a good buy in my book.
If you would like to buy or know more about Buzzard #1 you
can find it at http://www.darkhorse.com
