Moonshine #1 Review

Moonshine #1
Writer: Brian Azzarello
Artist: Eduardo Risso
Colors: Eduardo Risso
Letters: Jared Fletcher
Publisher: Image

Reviewed by David Hildebrand 

Wait! There is a book coming out that is going to combine the genres of prohibition-era gangsters and werewolf horror?  And Brian Azzarello and Eduardo Risso are the ones behind it? Where do I get my hands on this?  Well, the good news is that neither you nor I have to wait at all, it’s out now, and the book is amazing!  Even if only half this story sounds appealing to you, it is worth checking out the latest book from the creative team that was behind 100 Bullets.

Moonshine #1 is set in the backwoods of Appalachia, during prohibition.  A mobster named Lou Pirlo has been sent to find and make a deal with a local maker of moonshine named Hiram Holt.  Pirlo’s boss claims that Holt makes the best moonshine in the business and wants to make arrangements to bring the well made liquor back to New York.  Pirlo sets out on his mission to bring back the liquor his boss desires, however there is a surprise hidden deep within these woods that Pirlo will soon discover.

I love this issue!  Like most first issues, this is primarily setting things up for what is to come but it done so well. Pirlo is a fish out of water. Here he is, this city slicker type in the backwoods of West Virginia.  The locals take note of him, it would be hard not to. He comes across a bit of a wise ass and lucky for him, it works out, and he finds Holt.  Holt is a bit of an interesting fellow, he shows that he is much smarter than he looks as he interacts with Pirlo. He also might have a secret to hide.  Azzarello and Risso capture the essence of the time period.  The backdrop is vast and beautiful. The characters are spot on and I enjoyed the narrative that Pirlo delivered throughout the book.  I could hear a voice telling his story and it made the feel of the book seem more real.  I also like how we are teased just enough with the werewolves here as FBI agents are trying to track down where Holt’s manufacturing the liquor.  It left me longing for what is about to happen next.

Risso is pulling double duty here in doing both the artwork and the colors.  He does an outstanding job in capturing the atmosphere and style of the period.  It has a gritty look and each of the characters stand out.  The colors are a nice mixture of mood. One moment you have dark shadows and blood, the next there are brighter shades and warm colors that draw you into the story.

Verdict:
Buy it! If you are a fan of Azzarello and Risso, then you were probably like me and have had this book on your radar for awhile now.  I’m so glad to say that it didn’t disappoint. There are a couple moments that felt short, but there is only so much you can fit into one issue and of course it will expand as the story progresses.  If you aren’t familiar with these guys, then this is a good starting point in seeing how excellent they work together.  Booze and werewolves!!! Come one, come all! Things are about to get good!