Wolverton: Thief of Impossible Objects #1
Writer: Michael Stark & Terrell T. Garrett
Artist: Derek Rodenbeck
Colorist: Ellen Belmont
Letterer: Elizabeth McBride
Publisher: Burnt Biscuits Books
Review by Greg Brothers
As someone who teaches and is a bit of a history nut, I love when a comic can intermingle history with fiction. Many
times, those stories have a bit of black magic. Plus, they usually include at least one person who is a bit bigger than life.
Wolverton: Thief of Impossible Objects takes place in the early 1900s. Jack Wolverton is a thief, but he doesn’t steal to make money for himself. Instead, his mission is to help steal items that may lead to horrible consequences if they fall into the wrong hands. Sometimes these are items that we have heard of, and other times they may be exotic or mundane items.
While we as readers join Jack Wolverton in the middle of a mission, Wolverton: Thief of Impossible Objects #1 is an introductory issue. Wolverton’s abilities to be both discrete and efficient are highlighted. Wolverton is also shown to be rather debonair in the way that he handles himself, while also having a bit of luck on his side. He seems to never admit a mistake, and he is a bit self-depreciating in his abilities. It is because of this that his character comes off as a little generic. This is a character that we have seen a hundred times before. And this is a problem that hits a bit with each of the characters that we meet throughout. Unfortunately, nothing stands out that makes you remember them from any other period crime drama/mystery that you may have read.
While the characters are quite bland, the art makes up for it a little. First, there are some unique panel layouts that help the reader follow the action. You have several times where Wolverton leaves one panel to leap away from danger, only to land in the next. Detailed panels within the larger frame allow readers to focus on the specifics, while not sacrificing the enormity of the situation. Panels in the bowels of the ship are drawn with beams and boxes in the foreground to highlight just how tight the setting is. The characters are presented with strong expressions that make it easy to match their words and thoughts with their emotions. This is a small detail that sometimes the best artists miss, but it is done well here.
Verdict: Check it Out.
While many of the plot points and characters are recognizable, that does not mean that Wolverton: Thief of Impossible Objects #1 is not worth your time. The story, while familiar, is intriguing, and it will be interesting to see what items Wolverton may be asked to acquire next. If you are a fan of mystery, history, with a bit of sci-fi mixed in, then you should enjoy the series. Just go in knowing that the story is not going to break any barriers.
