THE HARD PLACE #1

by Doug Warren on August 23, 2017

Story: Doug Wagner
Art: Nic Rummel
Colors: Charlie Kirchoff
Publisher: Image Comics

Former wheelman AJ Gurney is out of prison and back on the streets of Detroit. But, this time, he is determined to play it straight. Get his life in order and help out his old man who’s fallen on hard times. But, life doesn’t work out that way.

While he avoids temptations, all of his old mistakes are coming back to haunt him. The more good he tries to do, the more crap keeps building up. At least three antagonists are introduced, with the last two promising to be the most damning.

This book is hard. I mean that. I literally squirmed while reading it. And I’m talking, like, watching American History X for the first time level squirming. You will see what I mean. And the gritty art and colors perfectly complimented the dark writing.

I loved the art style. It seemed at the same time both unique and familiar. Someone more savvy in this area could probably tell you what it’s called, but I can’t. I will just say, it is reminiscent of the Gorillaz, but with thicker, more angular lines. 

I’m trying not to give too much away here, so I apologize if the review is brief. But, I read this comic with minimal knowledge of it and was totally enveloped in the world and characters, experiencing them all free of spoilers and the like, and I want that same experience for you. Just, trust me when I say you need get this book.
 

Our Score:

9/10

A Look Inside