Copperhead #11

Copperhead #11 Review
Writer: Jay Faeber
Artist: Drew Moss
Colorist:  Ron Riely
Letterer: Thomas Mauer
Cover: Scott Godlewski
Publisher: Image Comics

A review by Robert Coffil

When Copperhead first came out a few years ago it was one of my favorite titles. It had that combination of Western and Science Fiction that made Firefly such an interesting show. It has been gone for a couple years, but now its back and it picks up right where #10 left us. What good science fiction does is take an alien setting and characters, then crafts human themes on them. Copperhead #11 does this with stunning aplomb.

Jay Faeber’s story for this issue brings the reader in without having to have read the previous 10 issues. He does a great job of reintroducing characters and setting the stage for the upcoming arc without dragging the reader through long dialogue. It’s the simple things, like Clara (The Sheriff) saying her deputy’s whole name when she calls for him.

Also, this issue is surprisingly touching. Sure, when we think of genre mash-ups like Copperhead the images that would immediately spring to mind would be gun fights between aliens or high-speed chases with hovercraft. However, this issue starts off with a heartfelt connection between two characters who couldn’t be more diametrically different. And yet for all their superficial differences, they are connected. Moments like that set Copperhead apart in a crowded comics market.

I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the work of artist Drew Moss. Drew takes overs the art duties from Scott Godlewski who drew the 10 previous issues. What I like about Drew’s work is the way he conveys motion, particularly during a chase scene. Comics as an art form is the rendering of still images. To be able to simulate a moving body is particularly difficult. Drew makes it look easy. Also, the subtle way the art is in play with the story is wonderful. When Clara’s deputy is conversing with the prime suspect of a murder in town, he is portrayed as under the shade. This is to indicate that he is in the dark. As the conversation progresses he goes from darker to lighter when he gets more information.

Verdict:
Must Buy! If you’re a fan of genre mashups Copperhead is the book for you. If you’re a fan of stories that have a touching human moment in them, Copperhead is for you. If you’re of comics, Copperhead is for you. Pick the thing up already.