Eric's Image Comics Review: 27 Second Set #1

Using a music analogy, the beginning of 27 Second Set is much like Eric Clapton's Unplugged version of "Layla" with a more subdued and lamenting tone. The question is whether readers will be as divided as the fans of the rock legend who reimagined an already classic song.

With its beginning, 27 Second Set forms a type of transcendental link between the writer and his fiction. Charles Soule opens with the words “I'm back,” thus, intertwining the tale with its creator. Protagonist Will Garland, on the precipice of genius, falls from grace to a softer and more soulful resonance that awards lyrical quality over intricate guitar riffs. Matched to this is a lower key narrative that goes on a more grounded pace as compared to the first story's grandiose end. On one hand, it never revels on the growth of character that was forged in the predecessor. On the other, the very real idea is presented that problems persist after epiphany. Throughout it all, however, there is the nagging lack of follow-through for those who have read the first arc because there is little to no transition for a character who is, once, enlightened and, then, dissatisfied. This may not matter at all for those who are new to the title.

What has carried over is dialog that takes care of both the small and large elements of the story. 27 is an allegory, but with characters with which readers can relate. Garland comes off as an entitled wanker in the book's opening only to be denied justification at the turn of a few pages. It's moments like this, in which the writer is acknowledging the feelings of his audience, that true satisfaction is found within this read. All too often, fans of fiction are subjected to glorification of the whiner and there is a certain sublime feeling when that doesn't happen. While the new direction may be a bit baffling, at least it should flow well. This is true in a really deft and conversational approach to exposition that never feels forced while informing newcomers to prior events.

Soule also takes a cue from the metafiction found within the likes of Watchmen with a faux review of Will Garland's reinvention album complete with rude internet comments. It's just one page, but it goes a long way to engrossing the reader into that world. The layout is well done and creates a great connection. The comments are a little tame in a day and age in which anonymity leads to homophobic/racist slurs and, sometimes, threats of violence or claims that moderators belong to the Third Reich (not at The Daily Blam! though), but people will get the point.

Renzo Podesta channels the great Neil Gaiman collaborator Dave McKean with his art and is most reminiscent of the latter's similarly musical work Cages. Everything is geometric almost to the point of cubism, yet not as abstract. Some may chide it for not being completely straightforward, but it remains interesting throughout with an eye for detail. One can really see this in the way movement is portrayed and the beautiful displays that happen when the supernatural enters into the story. The colors are beautiful and seem painstakingly blended. It won't be for everyone, but that what makes it great.

Story: Charles Soule
Art: Renzo Podesta
Cover: W. Scott Forbes
28 Pages/FC
$3.99
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