Epilogue
Issue: #1
Writer: Steve Niles
Artist: Kyle Hotz
32 pp. IDW Publishing. $3.99
Reviewed by Paul Stotts
The first issue of Epilogue does something that is rather rare in comics which is tell an interesting and non-linear origin story. Most origin stories focus on introducing us to the main character right before they are transformed by some traumatic event. It's straight cause-and-effect, and really a most basic way to tell a story. Epilogue takes a different direction, starting at the epilogue (of the origin story) and returning to the beginning of the story (prior to the transforming incident) near the middle of the issue. It's small changes like these that keep things interesting. Ultimately, this gives the origin story a bit of a mystery as we wonder about the cause of this particular effect.
A mysterious figure calls a meeting with a rather large contingent of gang members, detailing how he has maliciously interfered with their criminal schemes. It doesn't take much more convincing than this to get every gang-banger in the room to unload copious amounts of bullets at him. But after the smoke has cleared is when the real fun begins as they get to watch his bullet-shattered body regenerate right before their eyes (and taking all the fight out of them). The hero gives them a final ultimatum: you hurt others, and I'll hurt you. A brutal decapitation of one of the gang leaders emphasizes his point.
As one would expect, the police eventually stumble upon the scene and try to piece together the violent confrontation. During the course of the investigation, Detective Marci Kramer receives a call from the mysterious figure claiming responsibility for the decapitated gang leader. He also asserts that he's on the side of the police.
Interwoven with this plotline are flashbacks to a more idyllic time for our mysterious hero, as he goes camping with Sandra, his wife of fifteen years, and their two children, Holly and Chris. The first issue ends cliffhanger-style with the family under attack by a rambunctious group of vampires.
Writer Steve Niles creates an intriguing first issue. Rather than focus entirely on our hero's transformation, he sets up a few subplots that give more depth to the proceedings. It's powerful storytelling and it really makes the issue seem unique and fresh. Kyle Hotz provides some nice artwork for the issue. About my only point of contention is that I wasn't particular fond of the final page of the issue. The vampire attack is supposed to be horrific, but it comes off feeling flat. There just isn't much vibrancy in the drawing and it makes the ending of the issue seem anti-climatic. However by this point, I was hooked and already looking forward to the next issue. Hopefully, Niles and Hotz won't disappoint after this well-crafted bit of delicious comic mayhem.
Final Grade: 78 out of 100
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