Published: May 29th, 2013
Written by: Greg Rucka
Art by: Matthew Southworth, Rico Renzi
Oni Press, 137 Pages
Review:
I enjoyed the first volume of Stumptown. It wasn’t anything that blew me away but it was an enjoyable private eye comic with neo-noir flavor.
This story was a step up, however, and I think that Greg Rucka kind of found his flow.
The case in this volume is about trying to locate a rock star’s missing guitar. As the plot unravels and the DEA are involved, we learn that someone has been smuggling drugs through the rock band’s equipment, as they travel from city to city.
You get some swerves and a few reveals but the plot is pretty straightforward and plays more like a TV crime drama, which is probably why ABC just adapted this into a television show. The show is pretty good so far, by the way.
The biggest takeaway from this series, thus far, is that I really like these characters.
Additionally, I really like the art style and it fits the narrative tone well.
If you like crime comics, especially the stuff by Ed Brubaker, this will probably be right up your alley. It isn’t as overly violent and edgy as Brubaker’s stuff though. But for some, that might be a bonus as Brubaker’s crime comics can be brutal at times.
Rating: 8/10
Pairs well with: the other Stumptown volumes, as well as Gotham Central, Kill Or Be Killed, The Fade Out and Sin City.
Talking Pulp 