Plastic #2
Writer: Doug Wagner
Artist: Daniel Hillyard
Colorist: Laura Martin
Letterer: Ed Dukeshire
Publisher: Image
A review by David Hildebrand
The first issue of Plastic was easily the most disturbing book I have read so far this year and I absolutely fell in love with it! There is a saying “Not all heroes wear capes” and this psychotic killer named Edwyn is trying hard to fit that “hero” mold as he is determined to do what has to be done to save his plastic sex doll, Virginia. A wealthy man named Thaddeus Belliveau has the love doll held captive, forcing Edwyn to perform a dastardly task to get her back in his arms. Just when I thought I have seen enough in the premier issue, Plastic #2 says “Hold my beer” and takes it to another level.
Edwyn is a ruthless killer and in case you are questioning just how ruthless, well your question is answered in graphic detail compliments of Hillyard and Martin. The opening sequence includes Edwyn performing his task by executing a deputy and her family in order for Belliveau to release Virginia. Or so Edwyn assumes. An interesting twist is waiting Edwyn as he returns to the getaway car. His driver happens to be a contract killer and you can guess who his next target is. Wagner has created a cold blooded psychopath. I haven’t become as fond of a character of this sort since Patrick Bateman in American Psycho. Edwyn is brutal but he is also just as smart and cunning. I am eager to know more about his background to see just how he became to be the killer he is today.
There is so much I want to discuss about this book! But I don’t want to spoil anything else because it is such a warped joy turning each page to discover what’s next. Plastic is a very unique story, Edwyn is numb to the fact that death seems to be surrounding him more and more but he shows that he can also carry a normal conversation with a very lovely looking lady. Hillyard’s and Martin’s art and colors add an eerie, horror atmosphere to Wagner’s script. But they also flip a switch and the colors appear more docile in tamer parts of the story. Either way, they capture the mood of every moment with precision.
The Verdict
Buy it! If you are into dark and twisted tales, then Plastic is for you! There isn’t a story like this out there at the moment and that is why I dig it so much. This isn’t your typical thriller. I have never so much in my life wanted someone to be reunited with their sex doll, that it has me questioning my own sanity! No, but really…Wagner has a method to this madness he has created and I can’t wait to see the body count accumulate as Edwyn slaughters his way back to his beloved, Virginia!
