Al Harahap
Jun 27, 2003, 02:03 pm
<a href="http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/previews/0603/born.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/previews/0603/bornt.jpg" align=left alt="Born #1"></a>Reviewer: Al Harahap, alharahap@xfan.cjb.net
Quick Rating: Great!
Story Title: The First Day
The Vietnam War chronicles of Captain Frank Castle before his Punisher days are told in this beginning of a war epic.
Writer: Garth Ennis
Penciler: Darick Robertson
Inker: Tom Palmer
Colourist: Paul Mounts
Letterer: Virtual Calligraphy’s Rus Wooton
Assistant Editor: Nick Lowe
Editor: Ralph Macchio
Associate Managing Editor: Kelly Lamy
Managing Editor: Nanci Dakesian
Editor in Chief: Joe Quesada
President: Bill Jemas
Themes: War, psychological effects of war, military dissension.
Being touted as “another Origin” (the acclaimed mini-series that told the origin of the uber popular Wolverine) sure puts a lot of pressure on a wee comic book. Expectations run high, but if done right, the series would surely live up to them. So it’s no surprise that Marvel doesn’t hold back when recruiting talent for this origin retelling of Frank Castle’s transformation into the man who would be the Punisher. For starters, to pen the story is writer Garth Ennis, who is not only the current scribe for The Punisher ongoing monthly series, but has also recently finished up on his DC/Vertigo War Story anthology series – the perfect rehearsal for his run on Born. Reuniting with him from Nick Fury’s mini-series, Fury, is Darick Robertson (Wolverine, Transmetropolitan). Not to mention, veteran inker Tom Palmer. So with such quality talent, some with experience with the character, the genre, and working together, and all under the watchful eye of – count’em – five editors, it’s hard to go wrong.
Ennis inches in gradually into Frank Castle’s time during the Vietnam War. The first half of the issue is heavy on narrative from the eyes of a Stevie Goodwin, one of Castle’s men. This is an effective approach on Ennis’ part because not only does Goodwin become the point of reader relatability into the world of Born, but it also keeps Castle at a distance, which corresponds with his aloof personality. During these scenes, Ennis also establishes the mood of 'Nam through Goodwin, whose strong desire to escape war-torn Southeast Asia, countered by the overwhelming political paralysis that forces him to participate in the war, aptly represents the general sentiments of the other men around him.
Now, there are some pretty deep and profound thoughts coming out of Goodwin’s mind – all conveyed so articulately and eloquently. Some might say too articulate and eloquent for an “army man.” And that was my first reaction to his words because this is supposed to be a layman talking and all I could hear was Ennis the intellectual. But then I realised I had imposed an unfounded stereotype on the character of Goodwin, regardless of whether or not it’s Ennis’ intention to put forth a highly intellectual soldier. Plus, there was the compulsory draft during the Vietnam War, so all sorts were dragged off to fight, unless your daddy was some hotshot at Capitol Hill.
It is only in the second half of the issue where the characters, particularly Castle himself, go into more dialogical scenes. So the format of this whole introductory issue couldn’t read any better than what Ennis has carefully set up – very reader friendly. These scenes further delve into the state of mind of soldiers and the collective mindset of a platoon during the Vietnam War. Ennis’ portrayal is rather disturbing and far from being a romanticised Hollywood account of ‘Nam. I couldn’t say how realistic it is, or if it’s just Ennis’ moulding the setting to suit the situation. For instance: Would a soldier like Castle really get away with talking to his superiors (two in this issue) in such a disrespectful manner without dire formal consequences? It seems wonky. But what it does do is keep the story’s desired depressing mood at the forefront so the characters remain sympathetic.
Appropriately, Robertson and the art team follow suit and distinguish between the two sections of the issue. The first half has more establishing shots, while getting more up close and personal with detail in the second half. Robertson’s style is quite distinct and is definitely niche to certain types of comics. Fortunately, it’s very fitting for Born, and garnished with Palmer’s experienced inks, the book’s visuals actually become rather reminiscent of the art in classic war comics such as Sgt. Rock and His Howling Commandos. It’s rough, edgy, and not flashy – the perfect complement to Ennis’ script. Although, there are some very contemporary colouring techniques by Paul Mounts, which does keep the book grounded as refreshing and not seeming like a rehash. And the ominous cover of a human shell cracking into a core skull (the symbol of the Punisher) is just spectacular, both conceptually and stylistically.
The only minor gripe I have with the art is the depiction of the visiting General Padden. The character is already portrayed as a clueless idiot by Ennis’ script. But to add the visual of a short, stocky, thick-moustached military superior into the formula relegates the character of General Padden into a caricature – which is an unnecessary contrast, and really takes away from, the realism of the book. Though his comical presence is somewhat remedied by the bleak nature of his fate…
Do keep in mind that this is a title under the mature-oriented MAX imprint, so there are some very mature themes and scenes all throughout. What stands out is the extremely graphic violence. And unlike in many comics, the blood and gore isn’t euphemised with tamer shades of brown or grey. It’s all right there in your face. But then it dawned on me: There’s nothing in here that you wouldn’t see in a PG+ rated book like X-Statix. And to be honest, were these scenes to be gratuitous, I’d be horrified. But they really are essential in keeping the reader feeling unsafe and capturing the mood of the setting.
On to the main character. Ennis plays up the anti-hero aspect of Frank Castle to the max (no pun intended) – even more so than what had been portrayed of the character in Punisher and Punisher War Journal Vietnam War flashbacks. So it’s a little puzzling that this would be the Punisher’s "origin" or "lead up" when he’s already developed as that character (just sans the costume and persona). Don’t get me wrong, Ennis’ Born Frank Castle is a very complex and three-dimensional character. But since the point of the series is to retroactively reintroduce the character and reestablish the roots of his becoming into what he is today, it feels like the development is much too advanced right off the bat. It’s as though Ennis has gone a couple of steps ahead prematurely with Castle. Whereas a more heroic and patriotic Castle descending into the Castle in this issue may have been a desirable development. Although, I do have faith in Ennis’ ability and believe that he knows what he’s doing, so this is a reserved judgment. And this peculiarity of the character just makes me even more curious as to what Ennis has in store for him for the remainder of the series.
Overall, Born #1 more than meets expectations. I’m so glad that Marvel didn’t hype this up too much. So what’s released is just a comic book with great story and great art. Using the “Origin style and format,” it also stands out on the comic rack amongst your typical mainstream series. The realism is a breath of fresh air, but not so much that you can’t escape into a fictional world, as suggested by the mysterious – perhaps supernatural? – presence at the end of this issue. Don’t miss out!
ART:
http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/reviews/punfull.jpg http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/reviews/punfull.jpg http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/reviews/punfull.jpg http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/reviews/punfull.jpg http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/reviews/punhalf.jpg
STORY:
http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/reviews/punfull.jpg http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/reviews/punfull.jpg http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/reviews/punfull.jpg http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/reviews/punfull.jpg http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/reviews/punnone.jpg
OVERALL:
http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/reviews/punfull.jpg http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/reviews/punfull.jpg http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/reviews/punfull.jpg http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/reviews/punfull.jpg http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/reviews/punnone.jpg
Buy this issue online now from X-World Comics and save! (http://x-worldcomics.com/yourvirtualstore/shopdisplayproducts.asp?id=662&cat=BORN+1)
Quick Rating: Great!
Story Title: The First Day
The Vietnam War chronicles of Captain Frank Castle before his Punisher days are told in this beginning of a war epic.
Writer: Garth Ennis
Penciler: Darick Robertson
Inker: Tom Palmer
Colourist: Paul Mounts
Letterer: Virtual Calligraphy’s Rus Wooton
Assistant Editor: Nick Lowe
Editor: Ralph Macchio
Associate Managing Editor: Kelly Lamy
Managing Editor: Nanci Dakesian
Editor in Chief: Joe Quesada
President: Bill Jemas
Themes: War, psychological effects of war, military dissension.
Being touted as “another Origin” (the acclaimed mini-series that told the origin of the uber popular Wolverine) sure puts a lot of pressure on a wee comic book. Expectations run high, but if done right, the series would surely live up to them. So it’s no surprise that Marvel doesn’t hold back when recruiting talent for this origin retelling of Frank Castle’s transformation into the man who would be the Punisher. For starters, to pen the story is writer Garth Ennis, who is not only the current scribe for The Punisher ongoing monthly series, but has also recently finished up on his DC/Vertigo War Story anthology series – the perfect rehearsal for his run on Born. Reuniting with him from Nick Fury’s mini-series, Fury, is Darick Robertson (Wolverine, Transmetropolitan). Not to mention, veteran inker Tom Palmer. So with such quality talent, some with experience with the character, the genre, and working together, and all under the watchful eye of – count’em – five editors, it’s hard to go wrong.
Ennis inches in gradually into Frank Castle’s time during the Vietnam War. The first half of the issue is heavy on narrative from the eyes of a Stevie Goodwin, one of Castle’s men. This is an effective approach on Ennis’ part because not only does Goodwin become the point of reader relatability into the world of Born, but it also keeps Castle at a distance, which corresponds with his aloof personality. During these scenes, Ennis also establishes the mood of 'Nam through Goodwin, whose strong desire to escape war-torn Southeast Asia, countered by the overwhelming political paralysis that forces him to participate in the war, aptly represents the general sentiments of the other men around him.
Now, there are some pretty deep and profound thoughts coming out of Goodwin’s mind – all conveyed so articulately and eloquently. Some might say too articulate and eloquent for an “army man.” And that was my first reaction to his words because this is supposed to be a layman talking and all I could hear was Ennis the intellectual. But then I realised I had imposed an unfounded stereotype on the character of Goodwin, regardless of whether or not it’s Ennis’ intention to put forth a highly intellectual soldier. Plus, there was the compulsory draft during the Vietnam War, so all sorts were dragged off to fight, unless your daddy was some hotshot at Capitol Hill.
It is only in the second half of the issue where the characters, particularly Castle himself, go into more dialogical scenes. So the format of this whole introductory issue couldn’t read any better than what Ennis has carefully set up – very reader friendly. These scenes further delve into the state of mind of soldiers and the collective mindset of a platoon during the Vietnam War. Ennis’ portrayal is rather disturbing and far from being a romanticised Hollywood account of ‘Nam. I couldn’t say how realistic it is, or if it’s just Ennis’ moulding the setting to suit the situation. For instance: Would a soldier like Castle really get away with talking to his superiors (two in this issue) in such a disrespectful manner without dire formal consequences? It seems wonky. But what it does do is keep the story’s desired depressing mood at the forefront so the characters remain sympathetic.
Appropriately, Robertson and the art team follow suit and distinguish between the two sections of the issue. The first half has more establishing shots, while getting more up close and personal with detail in the second half. Robertson’s style is quite distinct and is definitely niche to certain types of comics. Fortunately, it’s very fitting for Born, and garnished with Palmer’s experienced inks, the book’s visuals actually become rather reminiscent of the art in classic war comics such as Sgt. Rock and His Howling Commandos. It’s rough, edgy, and not flashy – the perfect complement to Ennis’ script. Although, there are some very contemporary colouring techniques by Paul Mounts, which does keep the book grounded as refreshing and not seeming like a rehash. And the ominous cover of a human shell cracking into a core skull (the symbol of the Punisher) is just spectacular, both conceptually and stylistically.
The only minor gripe I have with the art is the depiction of the visiting General Padden. The character is already portrayed as a clueless idiot by Ennis’ script. But to add the visual of a short, stocky, thick-moustached military superior into the formula relegates the character of General Padden into a caricature – which is an unnecessary contrast, and really takes away from, the realism of the book. Though his comical presence is somewhat remedied by the bleak nature of his fate…
Do keep in mind that this is a title under the mature-oriented MAX imprint, so there are some very mature themes and scenes all throughout. What stands out is the extremely graphic violence. And unlike in many comics, the blood and gore isn’t euphemised with tamer shades of brown or grey. It’s all right there in your face. But then it dawned on me: There’s nothing in here that you wouldn’t see in a PG+ rated book like X-Statix. And to be honest, were these scenes to be gratuitous, I’d be horrified. But they really are essential in keeping the reader feeling unsafe and capturing the mood of the setting.
On to the main character. Ennis plays up the anti-hero aspect of Frank Castle to the max (no pun intended) – even more so than what had been portrayed of the character in Punisher and Punisher War Journal Vietnam War flashbacks. So it’s a little puzzling that this would be the Punisher’s "origin" or "lead up" when he’s already developed as that character (just sans the costume and persona). Don’t get me wrong, Ennis’ Born Frank Castle is a very complex and three-dimensional character. But since the point of the series is to retroactively reintroduce the character and reestablish the roots of his becoming into what he is today, it feels like the development is much too advanced right off the bat. It’s as though Ennis has gone a couple of steps ahead prematurely with Castle. Whereas a more heroic and patriotic Castle descending into the Castle in this issue may have been a desirable development. Although, I do have faith in Ennis’ ability and believe that he knows what he’s doing, so this is a reserved judgment. And this peculiarity of the character just makes me even more curious as to what Ennis has in store for him for the remainder of the series.
Overall, Born #1 more than meets expectations. I’m so glad that Marvel didn’t hype this up too much. So what’s released is just a comic book with great story and great art. Using the “Origin style and format,” it also stands out on the comic rack amongst your typical mainstream series. The realism is a breath of fresh air, but not so much that you can’t escape into a fictional world, as suggested by the mysterious – perhaps supernatural? – presence at the end of this issue. Don’t miss out!
ART:
http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/reviews/punfull.jpg http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/reviews/punfull.jpg http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/reviews/punfull.jpg http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/reviews/punfull.jpg http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/reviews/punhalf.jpg
STORY:
http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/reviews/punfull.jpg http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/reviews/punfull.jpg http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/reviews/punfull.jpg http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/reviews/punfull.jpg http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/reviews/punnone.jpg
OVERALL:
http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/reviews/punfull.jpg http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/reviews/punfull.jpg http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/reviews/punfull.jpg http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/reviews/punfull.jpg http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/reviews/punnone.jpg
Buy this issue online now from X-World Comics and save! (http://x-worldcomics.com/yourvirtualstore/shopdisplayproducts.asp?id=662&cat=BORN+1)