BOYS #41

Review by: zombox

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182
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Avg Rating: 4.0
 
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Writer: Garth Ennis
Penciller/Inker: Darick Robertson
Colorist: Tony Avina
Covers: Darick Robertson

Size: pages
Price: 2.99

I have read this book from issue one, where I was excited by Ennis engaging the long form storytelling that made him famous, and arguably kept comics alive, in the Preacher. The story began strong and was racy, naughty and nasty. It features less-than-subtle commentary on society, comics as an industry and super-heroes as a genre in general. The Boys has no lack of shock moments that made Ennis famous and it has certainly not been an even journey throughout. Much like Preacher, though many are loathe to admit it, there are tracts that lull, slide sideways and simply aren’t relevant to the story other than to provide depth.

The last two issues have brought the Boys back to life in my heart and made me glad I suffered through some of the less interesting issues. Annie and Hughie’s relationship has blossomed and now it will face its first major challenge. I actually care, in as much as one can for a fictional character (which is a fair bit), how they fair. Hughie especially has my sympathy. He has long been my eyes and ears into this fucked up world. Annie I adore; she has gone from naive and innocent to world weary and mature over the course of this series – it only helps that this is mostly believable and earnest.  Hughie and Butcher are about to explode. I feel certain that their falling out will be quick, nasty and brutal and I long for the sweet ache of loss that will inevitably follow. Nothing Ennis writes ends well for everyone, it rarely ends well for anyone.  The sweet, family friendly hero team Superduper is very touching to read; mostly comprised of mentally challenged individuals they strive to earnestly do good with limited means or ability to understand the world that disdains them. Ennis really has prepared me to have my heart destroyed as they are obliterated, raped and ruined as seems inevitable. They are a rare, pleasant and wholesome thing in the world of shit Ennis has written.

Finally, these past two issuses are a return to form for Darrick Robertson. For several issues he struggled to find his way, perhaps under deadlines or experimenting with a new style, and his art was very rough. His layouts are, as always, excellent and full or details. His characters feel like people, despite the cartoonish bend, and they really carry a heart in each frame when Robertson is on. I cannot wait for this climax, which seems to be due at about issue 50.

Story: 5 - Excellent
Art: 5 - Excellent

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