Al Harahap
Jun 25, 2003, 03:42 pm
<a href="http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/previews/0603/crew_2.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/previews/0603/crew_2t.jpg" align=left alt="The Crew #2"></a>Reviewer: Al Harahap, alharahap@xfan.cjb.net
Quick Rating: Great!
Story Title: Big Trouble in Little Mogadishu (Chapter 2: Kasper)
Police Officer Kasper Cole dons his White Tiger costume and uses the persona in his relentless pursuit for a big promotion.
Writer: Priest
Penciller: Joe Bennett
Inker: Crime Lab Studios
Colourist: Avalon Studios
Letterer: Ken Lopez
Assistant Editors: Marc Sumerak & Andy Schmidt
Editor: Tom Brevoort
Editor in Chief: Joe Quesada
President: Bill Jemas
Main Themes: Vigilanteism, crime, life balance, career drive, racial identity.
Scribe Priest continues his introduction of “The Crew” with this second instalment. This issue does similar with Kasper Cole (a.k.a. White Tiger) what #1 did with Rhodey. For those unfamiliar with the character, Kasper is a regular character of Black Panther, whom T’Challa (a.k.a. the original Black Panther) had recently taken in to groom as a potential successor (of the costume persona, not the Kingdom of Wakanda). Keep in mind that this issue (and the whole series) is not reliant of any previous knowledge of the Black Panther or other series. And in doing so, Priest has also made The Crew and its characters strike out away from being second-tier supporting cast into strong main character strata. In the case of Kasper in this issue, there’s minimal reliance on Black Panther, which makes Kasper even more of a unique character.
The most standout aspect of Priest’s writing between these two first issues is his figure/ground swap and relationship between Rhodey and Kasper. Last issue, Priest’s story focused on Rhodey and established his purpose in this first storyarc, with Kasper appearing shortly as a background figure. Here, Priest does a switcheroo and engraines Kasper into the series by establishing his purpose, this time, with Rhodey appearing in the background. Priest does an excellent job with the multiple perspective narrative. The two characters’ stories overlap in a way akin to the format of Pulp Fiction. This is a device that’s used in many films and that I wish more comic writers would adopt. What’s so great, and more importantly appropriate, about this in a group title is that it makes the characters’ characterisation so much stronger. It’s different to your typical group title in that the story heavily weighs on one character at a time and doesn’t have protruding other main characters that “steal the mojo” of the focused character. And if I seem like babbling and that distinction is unclear, think of it as a solo title starring a group of protagonists instead of one – at least, so far.
Priest fleshes out Kasper’s character by delving into several aspects of his life: Kasper the husband, Kasper the son, Kasper the cop, and Kasper the White Tiger. Not surprisingly, the complex relationships between these multiple lives Kasper leads are brought forth. The most exciting for the reader, is of course Kasper’s White Tiger persona, which fills the action quotient of his character’s contribution to the series. Like other anti-heroes, the White Tiger takes a more radical vigilante approach to fighting crime. In essence, Kasper uses the White Tiger to do what Kasper the policeman cannot do in the confines of the persona in his bind to the law. What distinguishes the White Tiger from other comic vigilante heroes is that he also abuses the persona for personal gain to give him an advantage over his colleagues for a much-needed promotion – an immoral aspect of the character that makes him very human.
Why “much-needed” promotion? Well, because it seems as if Kasper must support not only himself, but also a mother, a wife, and one who’s with-child to boot! I read many two-dimensional anti-heroes out there whose reason for being a “badass” ( :rolleyes: ) is not developed and therefore relegating the character into a caricature that’s merely jumping on the Wolverine/Lobo bandwagon. But with Kasper, Priest brilliantly uses this familial responsibility and struggle to improve quality of life as tools for readers to sympathise with the character and turn their heads from his blatant immorality – not an easy feat for a writer. Kasper’s role as husband and son are also a source of humour in the character’s life story as the two often conflict as a result of his wife and mother not being able to get along. Not only is a husband/wife/mother-in-law in one small apartment a “three’s a crowd” recipe for disaster, but with such striking racial contrast (the half-black/half-white Kasper, his Korean wife, and his Jewish mother), you just know it’s going to be a continually disruptive environment. The formula kind of reminds me of Spike Lee’s Do the Right Thing under one roof. :LOL: Ahem… Anyway, Priest weaves all these different “Kaspers” in this one issue, and gives them equal weight. Some complement one another, others conflict. And it is this complex balancing of a person’s life aspects that allows for such a three-dimensional character in Kasper Cole.
Going along with the topic of race, I realise that Priest has repeatedly stated that The Crew is “not about race.” And it’s not. But whether consciously or otherwise, it does come into play in the book. Not in the forefront, but it’s definitely there. In one scene, Kasper briefly contemplates his being half-black and half-white. What seems to trigger these thoughts is a picture of his dark-skinned black father who’s alluded to as an American patriot, and whom Kasper seems to respect, or even revere. Kasper’s particular feelings regarding his biracialness aren’t played up. But life bounces him between impersonating a Black Panther to being a White Tiger who’s training to be Black Panther, and it’d be deliciously ironic if his inner conflict of race were to parallel that of his costumed personae. I actually find myself yearning for Priest to delve into this aspect of the character in the future. It just seems so integral to the character to be ignored. But that’s a personal desire as I’m a mixed salad myself. For those turned off by the topic of race, don’t worry, it’s not at the forefront and is easily avoidable.
What isn’t avoidable is penciller Joe Bennett’s and inker Crime Lab Studios’ awesome, superconsistent art, which adorn Priest’s story once more. This time around, Bennett appropriately uses more variety of dynamic angles for the White Tiger’s graceful acrobatics around Little Mogadishu. These particular scenes require a high degree of vertical one-point perspective, which aren’t easy to do realistically. What results is the feeling of the White Tiger moving through this concrete jungle as opposed to the wildlife jungle of classic Black Panther. Bennett does deliver, and Crime Lab Studios complement his pencils with the necessary shading. To counter the dark moods of the scenes, colourist Avalon Studios have chosen light hues so that it’s not too dark anywhere in the book and so readers can easily follow what’s going on, especially in the potentially confusing fight scenes. I’m also grateful for their correct colouring of Kasper. These days, incorrect skin colouring can become an issue with readers. And too often lately, there’s incorrect colouring, not just of skin, but anything, especially in rushed bi-weekly issues. But Avalon Studios does justice to Kasper, who’s not quite “black,” and not quite “white.” So, much kudos to them. To top it all off, Avalon Studios uses a “trippy” colouring effect on the White Tiger’s costume to convey some kind of chromomorphic material like that of a parachute or a nylon jacket.
But that leads me to a problem. And that is of the White Tiger’s standing-out in the middle of nighttime urbania. Although, you could consider this to be the minimal superhero quotient of the book, and the stunning visuals really makes you look past it. My bigger gripe is with the inconsistency of Kasper Cole’s life with the White Tiger’s resources. You would think that with his connections to royalty and being a scion of Wakanda himself, Kasper would have some financial help with his everyday life. In that regard, the separation between Kasper and the White Tiger is a little unbelievable. But it could also be justified in perhaps the Black Panther wanting Kasper to get by on his own as some sort of life test. But if that’s the case, I feel it should be explained because the juxtaposition of desire for a better life, but also having all these complex gadgets at his disposal, seems inconsistent.
The good far outweigh the bad in this issue though. And with #2, Priest and the art team have once again reintroduced another character for “The Crew.” Even with the similar format of last issue, you’ll enjoy seeing Kasper’s vastly different character and role in the book. So I’m very much looking forward to see what Priest will do with the upcoming Junta and Justice introductions. Given the separation of the characters and stories in this first storyarc, I recommend not waiting for a TPB, if one is even coming out. To get the most out of The Crew experience, get these single issues while they’re hot!
ART:
http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/reviews/bpfull.jpg http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/reviews/bpfull.jpg http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/reviews/bpfull.jpg http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/reviews/bpfull.jpg http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/reviews/bphalf.jpg
STORY:
http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/reviews/bpfull.jpg http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/reviews/bpfull.jpg http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/reviews/bpfull.jpg http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/reviews/bpfull.jpg http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/reviews/bpnone.jpg
OVERALL:
http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/reviews/bpfull.jpg http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/reviews/bpfull.jpg http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/reviews/bpfull.jpg http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/reviews/bpfull.jpg http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/reviews/bpnone.jpg
Buy this issue online now from X-World Comics and save! (http://x-worldcomics.com/yourvirtualstore/shopdisplayproducts.asp?id=618&cat=CREW)
Quick Rating: Great!
Story Title: Big Trouble in Little Mogadishu (Chapter 2: Kasper)
Police Officer Kasper Cole dons his White Tiger costume and uses the persona in his relentless pursuit for a big promotion.
Writer: Priest
Penciller: Joe Bennett
Inker: Crime Lab Studios
Colourist: Avalon Studios
Letterer: Ken Lopez
Assistant Editors: Marc Sumerak & Andy Schmidt
Editor: Tom Brevoort
Editor in Chief: Joe Quesada
President: Bill Jemas
Main Themes: Vigilanteism, crime, life balance, career drive, racial identity.
Scribe Priest continues his introduction of “The Crew” with this second instalment. This issue does similar with Kasper Cole (a.k.a. White Tiger) what #1 did with Rhodey. For those unfamiliar with the character, Kasper is a regular character of Black Panther, whom T’Challa (a.k.a. the original Black Panther) had recently taken in to groom as a potential successor (of the costume persona, not the Kingdom of Wakanda). Keep in mind that this issue (and the whole series) is not reliant of any previous knowledge of the Black Panther or other series. And in doing so, Priest has also made The Crew and its characters strike out away from being second-tier supporting cast into strong main character strata. In the case of Kasper in this issue, there’s minimal reliance on Black Panther, which makes Kasper even more of a unique character.
The most standout aspect of Priest’s writing between these two first issues is his figure/ground swap and relationship between Rhodey and Kasper. Last issue, Priest’s story focused on Rhodey and established his purpose in this first storyarc, with Kasper appearing shortly as a background figure. Here, Priest does a switcheroo and engraines Kasper into the series by establishing his purpose, this time, with Rhodey appearing in the background. Priest does an excellent job with the multiple perspective narrative. The two characters’ stories overlap in a way akin to the format of Pulp Fiction. This is a device that’s used in many films and that I wish more comic writers would adopt. What’s so great, and more importantly appropriate, about this in a group title is that it makes the characters’ characterisation so much stronger. It’s different to your typical group title in that the story heavily weighs on one character at a time and doesn’t have protruding other main characters that “steal the mojo” of the focused character. And if I seem like babbling and that distinction is unclear, think of it as a solo title starring a group of protagonists instead of one – at least, so far.
Priest fleshes out Kasper’s character by delving into several aspects of his life: Kasper the husband, Kasper the son, Kasper the cop, and Kasper the White Tiger. Not surprisingly, the complex relationships between these multiple lives Kasper leads are brought forth. The most exciting for the reader, is of course Kasper’s White Tiger persona, which fills the action quotient of his character’s contribution to the series. Like other anti-heroes, the White Tiger takes a more radical vigilante approach to fighting crime. In essence, Kasper uses the White Tiger to do what Kasper the policeman cannot do in the confines of the persona in his bind to the law. What distinguishes the White Tiger from other comic vigilante heroes is that he also abuses the persona for personal gain to give him an advantage over his colleagues for a much-needed promotion – an immoral aspect of the character that makes him very human.
Why “much-needed” promotion? Well, because it seems as if Kasper must support not only himself, but also a mother, a wife, and one who’s with-child to boot! I read many two-dimensional anti-heroes out there whose reason for being a “badass” ( :rolleyes: ) is not developed and therefore relegating the character into a caricature that’s merely jumping on the Wolverine/Lobo bandwagon. But with Kasper, Priest brilliantly uses this familial responsibility and struggle to improve quality of life as tools for readers to sympathise with the character and turn their heads from his blatant immorality – not an easy feat for a writer. Kasper’s role as husband and son are also a source of humour in the character’s life story as the two often conflict as a result of his wife and mother not being able to get along. Not only is a husband/wife/mother-in-law in one small apartment a “three’s a crowd” recipe for disaster, but with such striking racial contrast (the half-black/half-white Kasper, his Korean wife, and his Jewish mother), you just know it’s going to be a continually disruptive environment. The formula kind of reminds me of Spike Lee’s Do the Right Thing under one roof. :LOL: Ahem… Anyway, Priest weaves all these different “Kaspers” in this one issue, and gives them equal weight. Some complement one another, others conflict. And it is this complex balancing of a person’s life aspects that allows for such a three-dimensional character in Kasper Cole.
Going along with the topic of race, I realise that Priest has repeatedly stated that The Crew is “not about race.” And it’s not. But whether consciously or otherwise, it does come into play in the book. Not in the forefront, but it’s definitely there. In one scene, Kasper briefly contemplates his being half-black and half-white. What seems to trigger these thoughts is a picture of his dark-skinned black father who’s alluded to as an American patriot, and whom Kasper seems to respect, or even revere. Kasper’s particular feelings regarding his biracialness aren’t played up. But life bounces him between impersonating a Black Panther to being a White Tiger who’s training to be Black Panther, and it’d be deliciously ironic if his inner conflict of race were to parallel that of his costumed personae. I actually find myself yearning for Priest to delve into this aspect of the character in the future. It just seems so integral to the character to be ignored. But that’s a personal desire as I’m a mixed salad myself. For those turned off by the topic of race, don’t worry, it’s not at the forefront and is easily avoidable.
What isn’t avoidable is penciller Joe Bennett’s and inker Crime Lab Studios’ awesome, superconsistent art, which adorn Priest’s story once more. This time around, Bennett appropriately uses more variety of dynamic angles for the White Tiger’s graceful acrobatics around Little Mogadishu. These particular scenes require a high degree of vertical one-point perspective, which aren’t easy to do realistically. What results is the feeling of the White Tiger moving through this concrete jungle as opposed to the wildlife jungle of classic Black Panther. Bennett does deliver, and Crime Lab Studios complement his pencils with the necessary shading. To counter the dark moods of the scenes, colourist Avalon Studios have chosen light hues so that it’s not too dark anywhere in the book and so readers can easily follow what’s going on, especially in the potentially confusing fight scenes. I’m also grateful for their correct colouring of Kasper. These days, incorrect skin colouring can become an issue with readers. And too often lately, there’s incorrect colouring, not just of skin, but anything, especially in rushed bi-weekly issues. But Avalon Studios does justice to Kasper, who’s not quite “black,” and not quite “white.” So, much kudos to them. To top it all off, Avalon Studios uses a “trippy” colouring effect on the White Tiger’s costume to convey some kind of chromomorphic material like that of a parachute or a nylon jacket.
But that leads me to a problem. And that is of the White Tiger’s standing-out in the middle of nighttime urbania. Although, you could consider this to be the minimal superhero quotient of the book, and the stunning visuals really makes you look past it. My bigger gripe is with the inconsistency of Kasper Cole’s life with the White Tiger’s resources. You would think that with his connections to royalty and being a scion of Wakanda himself, Kasper would have some financial help with his everyday life. In that regard, the separation between Kasper and the White Tiger is a little unbelievable. But it could also be justified in perhaps the Black Panther wanting Kasper to get by on his own as some sort of life test. But if that’s the case, I feel it should be explained because the juxtaposition of desire for a better life, but also having all these complex gadgets at his disposal, seems inconsistent.
The good far outweigh the bad in this issue though. And with #2, Priest and the art team have once again reintroduced another character for “The Crew.” Even with the similar format of last issue, you’ll enjoy seeing Kasper’s vastly different character and role in the book. So I’m very much looking forward to see what Priest will do with the upcoming Junta and Justice introductions. Given the separation of the characters and stories in this first storyarc, I recommend not waiting for a TPB, if one is even coming out. To get the most out of The Crew experience, get these single issues while they’re hot!
ART:
http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/reviews/bpfull.jpg http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/reviews/bpfull.jpg http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/reviews/bpfull.jpg http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/reviews/bpfull.jpg http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/reviews/bphalf.jpg
STORY:
http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/reviews/bpfull.jpg http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/reviews/bpfull.jpg http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/reviews/bpfull.jpg http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/reviews/bpfull.jpg http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/reviews/bpnone.jpg
OVERALL:
http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/reviews/bpfull.jpg http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/reviews/bpfull.jpg http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/reviews/bpfull.jpg http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/reviews/bpfull.jpg http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/reviews/bpnone.jpg
Buy this issue online now from X-World Comics and save! (http://x-worldcomics.com/yourvirtualstore/shopdisplayproducts.asp?id=618&cat=CREW)