Review: DEAD BODY ROAD #1

Story By:  Justin Jordan
Art By:  Matteo Scalera
Publisher:  Image Comics

Justin Jordan, the writer behind the Image Comics hit Luthor Strode, has another debut called Dead Body Road.  When a former policeman’s wife is killed in a bank heist, he vows vengeance against all those involved.

What I Liked

The creative team of Jordan and artist Matteo Scalera have been making a name for themselves over the last few years.  This combo can be looked at as potential all-stars for 2014.

The protagonist, Orson Gage, is reminiscent of Frank Castle (The Punisher).  He’s seeking revenge for the death of his wife, a fellow police officer.  Jordan keeps the story grounded in reality.  Through interactions between Gage and a friend, we get glimpses at his personality and his determination for payback.

Matteo Scalera brings the right level of grittiness to the artwork.  I first noticed Scalera’s work on Secret Avengers with Rick Remender.  Since then, Scalera has stepped in for an arc on Indestructible Hulk, while also teaming back up with Remender for another recently launched Image book Black Science.  Scalera is the perfect fit for Dead Body Road.

What I Didn’t Like

Right when I was becoming familiar with the cast, another evil person was introduced out of thin air.  A man was seen torturing another man, and it took me a few minutes to realize that this was the first appearance for either gentleman.  I feel the setup could have been better.

Summary

I’m not sure if Dead Body Road is a limited or ongoing series, but I will be checking it out regardless.  We are led to believe that there is more to the bank robbery than initially believed.  Orson Gage is out for revenge and won’t stop until he has it, or joins his wife in death.

This review is written in partnership with Pop Culture Network.  They can be found at their website http://www.popculturenetwork.com/

Timdogg

#ComicBookChronicles @CBChron founder. Editor-in-Chief of @thekliqnation. Comic book reviewer, podcaster #RABBLERABBLE