DESOLATION JONES #5 REVIEW

Corey Brotherson · Jan 13, 2006, 09:27 pm

<a href ="http://www.comixfan.com/xfan/images/previews/dc/0106/DesolationJonesCv5.jpg"><img src="http://www.comixfan.com/xfan/images/previews/dc/0106/DesolationJonesCv5t.jpg" hspace=10 align=left alt="Desolation Jones #5"></a> Reviewer: Corey Brotherson, cbrotherson@googlemail.com
Story Title: Made in England Pt. 5

"Jesus Christ. I always knew you were one f**ked up individual."

Writer: Warren Ellis
Artist: J.H. Williams III
Letterer: Todd Klein
Colorist: Jose Villarrubia
Assistant Editor: Kristy Quinn
Editor: Scott Dunbier
Published by: Wildstorm/DC Comics

Suggested For Mature Readers

Don’t be fooled.

That little, yet ominous idiom sums up Desolation Jones, perfectly. Don’t be fooled. Desolation Jones, a so-far so-sharp comic book by writer Warren Ellis and artist J.H. Williams III, may have a fairly inauspicious cover sitting pretty, yet quietly on the front of #5. Its fairly hushed title doesn’t scream too much above other books clamouring for attention on the shelf. Nor does it boast an attractive main character who punctuates punches with snappy patter.

But don’t be fooled.

Desolation Jones is far from standard. To date, the series has shown a moderate amount of brutal, unflinching violence, a splash of wonderfully acerbic wit and a very heavy dose of adult themes, covering identity, relationships and alienation, all in such a powerful and memorable fashion that it's anything but as desolate or ordinary as the title ironically (and intentionally) suggests.

If fact, Desolation Jones #5 continues to slowly peel back conventions and expectations, much in the same way this issue's contents strip away the psyche of its titular character, British private investigator Michael Jones. It even hints as such on the cover, in its muted subtle use of colour. Here lies the long awaited peek into the background of Jones; via the gruesome 'Desolation Test' which has forced him into his unwilling life of 'rehabilitation' in Los Angeles.

Without giving away too much, most of this issue is an allowance to let us and the characters take a much needed catch-up. While Jones gains some time-out to reflect on the events so far that have led him to his current disadvantaged position, it allows us pause to recount vital plot points and take stock of what we've read to date; an obvious yet important exposition technique for a bi-monthly book that may have left some of us (or at least this addled and aging brain) dutifully recollecting the vital elements of the last few issues. As such, it's a good jumping-on point for anyone who wants to poke their noses through the starkly coloured world of Desolation Jones without being too badly slapped about by its hard fictional realities and fiercely uncompromising tone. It also works towards the leanings of the detective genre itself, leaving a conventional moment of chin-stroking consideration and contemplation - the lining up of all the clues on the coffee table- before the faeces hits the fan in a splattering rush of colliding subplots.

Jones himself remains one of the more fascinating protagonists recently created, with his flashbacks to the 'Desolation Test' allowing a powerful insight into his face of ironic self assurance/self depreciation, which changes into something far more sympathetic this issue. While far from inheriting the 'Bastard gene' (that's with a capital 'B') that's often loved in Ellis' characters, his rather clinical façade slips and the charismatic Jones becomes even more likable in the process. He's terribly human here, and now five issues in, seeing him in a comparatively helpless condition strikes a potent chord. Over the last few months we've watched the slow physical decline of Jones while gaining a further glimpse of the psychological trauma that plagues him. Yet throughout (and to obviously keep the story moving), Ellis doesn’t allow him to divert from his purpose and soldiers away to try and get us closer to some answers to the mystery case Jones has been assigned to do. All with the typical dialogue flourishes we expect from the talented Brit writer ("Look at him. He'd **** his granddad in the eye socket for a drink right now." "My granddad actually liked it like that." "Shut up.") The result is a comic that delivers a hard-hitting detective tale - without a goddamn love chunk in sight.

Coupling this great characterisation is Williams' haunting artwork, which is both truly beautiful and utterly disturbing all at once. Along with his inventive layouts and Villarrubia's colours, the visuals successfully convey the delirium of Jones' mindstate, keeping a sense of ethereal that was so evident in Williams' other incredible work, Promethea, and transferring them here to create a distorting portrayal that still drop-kicks you back into hard reality when needed. Jones himself is a pale, emaciated husk of a man, a far cry from both many comic book protagonists and his equally well-designed supporting cast.

Better yet, the art and lettering team uses an excellent range of mixed media to depict the various realities of the story, with numerous types of colouring, painting, scattered framing, faded lettering and more, utilised to great effect. Even sound effects, something Ellis usually shies away from, are used. It's rare to have a series that makes use of the medium's versatility in such a way Desolation Jones does, providing a refreshing show of what comics can do when they're not trying to directly mimic films or TV.

As I mentioned earlier, despite being five parts in, this is perhaps the best time to get into Desolation Jones if you've not had the chance before, due to the recounting nature and relatively little plot progression on show here. However, therein lies a potential problem - it may be a tad too rich in narrative for some to hop in without a small sense of their brains being mangled and broken, themselves left like a victim of the 'Desolation Test'. "Hitler porn?" "Inner circles?" "Floating angels?" "Temple Farm Cult?" "Come on now, really, Hitler porn?" All of which is swiftly, and fantastically followed by "oh my god, ... his... head... all that... blood... that's... that's horrible!" It's more than possible that trying to digest the rather large amount of meat on Desolation Jones' bones in one sitting can get a little bit much for some who are totally new in attempting to figure what all the fuss is about. Especially when it comes to the Hitler porn.

But, hell, it's worth saying again: don’t be fooled.

Stick with it. Really. Go on. At least try. Because it's these bewildering concepts, stark startling shocks of violence and brilliantly deep characterisation that continues to make Desolation Jones one of the freshest, grimiest and downright interesting books on the market today. Superb.

ART:

STORY:

OVERALL:

Buy Desolation Jones at X-World and save!

Doombot72 · Jan 13, 2006, 10:07 pm

I couldn't agree more. This series has been a welcome addition to my comics stack. The artwork alone is worth the price, but the the story itself has me hooked. I'm very much a "cool concept" man; usually, an interesting idea will grab me. This book is full of them. The interesting characters, the idea of an L.A. full of ex-spooks, the Desolation test itself, and numerous others.

I know that there may be some who may see this issue as a bit padded, but it's just following the basic pattern of a good mystery story. This is the issue where the numerous threads finally start to weave together, making a picture that really seems to piss off our man. Can't wait to see how it all plays out.

One question: I have heard conflicting information. Is this an ongoing or a mini? Anyone?

RingoStarr · Jan 13, 2006, 10:18 pm

I liked the beginning and end, but if I wanted an issue where the middle was just a story recap, I would have gone back and reread the other books.

Vector · Jan 13, 2006, 11:01 pm

I can't wait to get this.

bmccann4200 · Jan 14, 2006, 08:47 am

In full and total agreement, this is a series that just gets better and better with every passing issue. There isn't anything lacking or substandard in this series, story, art, environment are all top notch.

Jones is one the best new characters that we have seen in the last year, and is swiftly earning a space among the classic "Must Own" mini-series of non-cape books. At least in my opinion that is.

Great review, now just 6 weeks till that final issue.

James Groves · Jan 14, 2006, 12:38 pm

Wholeheartedly agree that this is the nuts. The artwork is outstanding at times -- a real treat to to the eye!

I enjoyed the way we learned more about Jones' past too, and we're really starting to get a hold on Jones' character now, what with the flashbacks into the experimental proceedures that were carried out on him. Excellent issue... just a shame this is a miniseries and not an ongoing.

Excellent review, Corey!

Corey Brotherson · Jan 14, 2006, 01:00 pm

Cheers guys

And thanks, James, it's much appriciated -- looking forward to getting down to the next one

Quote:

Originally Posted by RingoStarr

I liked the beginning and end, but if I wanted an issue where the middle was just a story recap, I would have gone back and reread the other books.

I agree to an extent, which is part the reason it didnt get full marks in both story and overall. But at the same time, I really do think it was needed. A bi-monthly book is often a dangerous undertaking as it risks audience drop-off greater than a monthly. For a Wildstorm book that doesnt involve heroes, a bi-monthly is asking for a big ol kiss 'o death, even with Ellis' prolific name bolstering it. Add that to it being a detective story, then the narrative is going to be very very dense and needs momentum to maintain an episodic form (which many detective stories dont have to deal with as strictly as this).
I think a recap issue is essential in this case, given the circumstances. Esp for those like me who have no filing system to their comics and the previous issues are buried somewhere, out of reach without spending a day to sift through the thousands of other comics lying around for 4 issues to manually recap with.

In trade form, this issue will be quite a slow one, I'd imagine, if it werent for the fact we get to see parts of the Desolation Test first hand. Ellis was very clever in saving it up until now, as it slows the plot down nicely for the rest of us to catch up while providing something for Jones to react against in the present. Great writing technique.

For me, this is perhaps Ellis' most consistant book since the superlative Transmet.

Ryan Day · Jan 14, 2006, 01:55 pm

Ellis has said over at the Engine that Jones is definitely an ongoing. And that while it was originally going to rotate artists, Williams asked to stay on and so he will.

James Groves · Jan 14, 2006, 04:08 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ryan Day

Ellis has said over at the Engine that Jones is definitely an ongoing. And that while it was originally going to rotate artists, Williams asked to stay on and so he will.

Yay!!

I'm glad to see that Williams will stay on, as I'm not really a fan of rotating artists.

Statham · Jan 15, 2006, 12:18 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by RingoStarr

I liked the beginning and end, but if I wanted an issue where the middle was just a story recap, I would have gone back and reread the other books.

At least they worked it into the story in a fairly appropriate manner, though, with Jones so off his face he can't even remember the name of the person he called. It's better than a one-page recap at the front of the book, at the very least.

I love Robina, though. I want a miniseries just for her, because it'd be interesting to see some of her investigations, and the gadgets and inventions she'd use -- Perfectly appropriate, given Ellis' fascination with new technology.

THE WORLD NEEDS A SERIES ABOUT A PUNK CHICK WHO CREATES EXPLODING SNAKE ROBOTS, PEOPLE!!

Jan 13, 2006, 09:27 pm	#1
Corey Brotherson Human Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Birmingham, UK Country: Posts: 114	DESOLATION JONES #5 REVIEW <a href ="http://www.comixfan.com/xfan/images/previews/dc/0106/DesolationJonesCv5.jpg"><img src="http://www.comixfan.com/xfan/images/previews/dc/0106/DesolationJonesCv5t.jpg" hspace=10 align=left alt="Desolation Jones #5"></a> Reviewer: Corey Brotherson, cbrotherson@googlemail.com Story Title: Made in England Pt. 5 "Jesus Christ. I always knew you were one fked up individual." Writer: Warren Ellis Artist: J.H. Williams III Letterer: Todd Klein Colorist: Jose Villarrubia Assistant Editor: Kristy Quinn Editor: Scott Dunbier Published by: Wildstorm/DC Comics Suggested For Mature Readers Don’t be fooled. That little, yet ominous idiom sums up Desolation Jones, perfectly. Don’t be fooled. Desolation Jones, a so-far so-sharp comic book by writer Warren Ellis and artist J.H. Williams III, may have a fairly inauspicious cover sitting pretty, yet quietly on the front of #5. Its fairly hushed title doesn’t scream too much above other books clamouring for attention on the shelf. Nor does it boast an attractive main character who punctuates punches with snappy patter. But don’t be fooled. Desolation Jones is far from standard. To date, the series has shown a moderate amount of brutal, unflinching violence, a splash of wonderfully acerbic wit and a very heavy dose of adult themes, covering identity, relationships and alienation, all in such a powerful and memorable fashion that it's anything but as desolate or ordinary as the title ironically (and intentionally) suggests. If fact, Desolation Jones #5 continues to slowly peel back conventions and expectations, much in the same way this issue's contents strip away the psyche of its titular character, British private investigator Michael Jones. It even hints as such on the cover, in its muted subtle use of colour. Here lies the long awaited peek into the background of Jones; via the gruesome 'Desolation Test' which has forced him into his unwilling life of 'rehabilitation' in Los Angeles. Without giving away too much, most of this issue is an allowance to let us and the characters take a much needed catch-up. While Jones gains some time-out to reflect on the events so far that have led him to his current disadvantaged position, it allows us pause to recount vital plot points and take stock of what we've read to date; an obvious yet important exposition technique for a bi-monthly book that may have left some of us (or at least this addled and aging brain) dutifully recollecting the vital elements of the last few issues. As such, it's a good jumping-on point for anyone who wants to poke their noses through the starkly coloured world of Desolation Jones without being too badly slapped about by its hard fictional realities and fiercely uncompromising tone. It also works towards the leanings of the detective genre itself, leaving a conventional moment of chin-stroking consideration and contemplation - the lining up of all the clues on the coffee table- before the faeces hits the fan in a splattering rush of colliding subplots. Jones himself remains one of the more fascinating protagonists recently created, with his flashbacks to the 'Desolation Test' allowing a powerful insight into his face of ironic self assurance/self depreciation, which changes into something far more sympathetic this issue. While far from inheriting the 'Bastard gene' (that's with a capital 'B') that's often loved in Ellis' characters, his rather clinical façade slips and the charismatic Jones becomes even more likable in the process. He's terribly human here, and now five issues in, seeing him in a comparatively helpless condition strikes a potent chord. Over the last few months we've watched the slow physical decline of Jones while gaining a further glimpse of the psychological trauma that plagues him. Yet throughout (and to obviously keep the story moving), Ellis doesn’t allow him to divert from his purpose and soldiers away to try and get us closer to some answers to the mystery case Jones has been assigned to do. All with the typical dialogue flourishes we expect from the talented Brit writer ("Look at him. He'd *** his granddad in the eye socket for a drink right now." "My granddad actually liked it like that." "Shut up.") The result is a comic that delivers a hard-hitting detective tale - without a goddamn love chunk in sight. Coupling this great characterisation is Williams' haunting artwork, which is both truly beautiful and utterly disturbing all at once. Along with his inventive layouts and Villarrubia's colours, the visuals successfully convey the delirium of Jones' mindstate, keeping a sense of ethereal that was so evident in Williams' other incredible work, Promethea, and transferring them here to create a distorting portrayal that still drop-kicks you back into hard reality when needed. Jones himself is a pale, emaciated husk of a man, a far cry from both many comic book protagonists and his equally well-designed supporting cast. Better yet, the art and lettering team uses an excellent range of mixed media to depict the various realities of the story, with numerous types of colouring, painting, scattered framing, faded lettering and more, utilised to great effect. Even sound effects, something Ellis usually shies away from, are used. It's rare to have a series that makes use of the medium's versatility in such a way Desolation Jones* does, providing a refreshing show of what comics can do when they're not trying to directly mimic films or TV. As I mentioned earlier, despite being five parts in, this is perhaps the best time to get into Desolation Jones if you've not had the chance before, due to the recounting nature and relatively little plot progression on show here. However, therein lies a potential problem - it may be a tad too rich in narrative for some to hop in without a small sense of their brains being mangled and broken, themselves left like a victim of the 'Desolation Test'. "Hitler porn?" "Inner circles?" "Floating angels?" "Temple Farm Cult?" "Come on now, really, Hitler porn?" All of which is swiftly, and fantastically followed by "oh my god, ... his... head... all that... blood... that's... that's horrible!" It's more than possible that trying to digest the rather large amount of meat on Desolation Jones' bones in one sitting can get a little bit much for some who are totally new in attempting to figure what all the fuss is about. Especially when it comes to the Hitler porn. But, hell, it's worth saying again: don’t be fooled. Stick with it. Really. Go on. At least try. Because it's these bewildering concepts, stark startling shocks of violence and brilliantly deep characterisation that continues to make Desolation Jones one of the freshest, grimiest and downright interesting books on the market today. Superb. ART: STORY: OVERALL: Buy Desolation Jones at X-World and save!

Jan 13, 2006, 10:07 pm	#2
Doombot72 Zombie Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Birmingham, AL Country: Posts: 28	Re: DESOLATION JONES #5 REVIEW I couldn't agree more. This series has been a welcome addition to my comics stack. The artwork alone is worth the price, but the the story itself has me hooked. I'm very much a "cool concept" man; usually, an interesting idea will grab me. This book is full of them. The interesting characters, the idea of an L.A. full of ex-spooks, the Desolation test itself, and numerous others. I know that there may be some who may see this issue as a bit padded, but it's just following the basic pattern of a good mystery story. This is the issue where the numerous threads finally start to weave together, making a picture that really seems to piss off our man. Can't wait to see how it all plays out. One question: I have heard conflicting information. Is this an ongoing or a mini? Anyone? __________________ There aren't any good guys or bad guys! There's just a bunch of.....guys!

Jan 13, 2006, 10:18 pm	#3
RingoStarr Human Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Liverpool Country: Posts: 194	Re: DESOLATION JONES #5 REVIEW I liked the beginning and end, but if I wanted an issue where the middle was just a story recap, I would have gone back and reread the other books. __________________ Ringo Guy Gardner is back!

Jan 13, 2006, 11:01 pm	#4
Vector Not Really Here Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Austin, TX Country: Posts: 514	Re: DESOLATION JONES #5 REVIEW I can't wait to get this.

Jan 14, 2006, 12:38 pm	#6
James Groves Jedi Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: England Country: Posts: 3,777	Re: DESOLATION JONES #5 REVIEW Wholeheartedly agree that this is the nuts. The artwork is outstanding at times -- a real treat to to the eye! I enjoyed the way we learned more about Jones' past too, and we're really starting to get a hold on Jones' character now, what with the flashbacks into the experimental proceedures that were carried out on him. Excellent issue... just a shame this is a miniseries and not an ongoing. Excellent review, Corey! Last edited by James Groves; Jan 14, 2006 at 04:15 pm.

Jan 14, 2006, 08:47 am	#5
bmccann4200 Chibi Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Hamilton, Ontario Country: Posts: 11	Re: DESOLATION JONES #5 REVIEW In full and total agreement, this is a series that just gets better and better with every passing issue. There isn't anything lacking or substandard in this series, story, art, environment are all top notch. Jones is one the best new characters that we have seen in the last year, and is swiftly earning a space among the classic "Must Own" mini-series of non-cape books. At least in my opinion that is. Great review, now just 6 weeks till that final issue.

Jan 14, 2006, 01:55 pm	#8
Ryan Day Mutant Join Date: Mar 2003 Location:   Country: Posts: 883	Re: DESOLATION JONES #5 REVIEW Ellis has said over at the Engine that Jones is definitely an ongoing. And that while it was originally going to rotate artists, Williams asked to stay on and so he will. __________________ Not at home.

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