The White Suits #1

by Sean Tonelli on February 19, 2014

The White Suits #1
Last year Frank Barbiere took the comic world by storm. His hit Image titles Five Ghosts quickly made a name for itself as one of the most original pulp throwbacks on the market. Not looking to rest on his laurels, Barbiere is hoping lightning will strike twice over at Dark Horse with The White Suits, an ultra-violent neo-noir mystery that will leave you asking ‘who are the White Suits?’

The story revolves around a mysterious group of cold war assassins who dress in fine white suits. Deadly, mysterious and taking out every thug in the underworld, the gang leaders find their lives turned upside down with terror as they deal with the soviet scourge. Meanwhile, an FBI agent named Sarah is looking for some answers as well. It’s been years since her father had disappeared and she is convinced that the White Suits have something to do with it. 

Barbiere has crafted a maze of twists and turns that holds a wealth of treasure for those willing to invest in a second read through. While the story may come off as pedestrian upon first glance, Barbiere manages to actually avoid most of the mystery tropes by filling the pages with gritty characters and dialogue that is, for lack of a better word, cool. The world itself is populated with some truly bad people all but snuffing out any glimmer of light for those involved. Those looking for a light read in the White Suits world had better move on; this is a blood soaked, adult only world. 

A major part of what makes the book so successful is Toby Cypress’ unique art style. To say the book is a visceral experience is an understatement. Cypress’ kinetic style and mastery of the action scenes turns the pages from mere paper into some sort of demented day dream. By not being able to trust your eyes, the reader can never really know what is at stake, which makes the story all the better.

Those looking to be challenged with a cerebral thrill ride should look no further than The White Suits #1. With just 22 short pages, Barbiere and Cypress have given the world a new group of villains that readers can get behind. While we may not know just who the White Suits are, we can rest assured knowing they are going to take the comic shelves by storm.    

The White Suits #1
Creator/Writer/Letterer: Frank Barbiere
Art: Toby Cypress
Publisher: Mike Richardson for Dark Horse Comics
Purchase: http://www.tfaw.com/Profile/The-White-Suits-1___442463

Our Score:

9/10

A Look Inside