From DC Comics, Vertigo, Selwyn Seyfu Hinds, Denys Cowan, John Floyd.

Fast paced, monsters, gore, great female lead: Vertigo’s recent push has another winner on its hands.

Dominique is our lead and she is having a damn awful night.  Chased by some creature, people dying, bullets flying.  If you ever wondered what it would be like for Vertigo to do an action movie you’re in luck.   A well written, intense, no plot holes, socially relevant, magical kind of action movie.  So, you know, unlike any that have previously existed.

There is a LOT going on in this issue.  Lots of concepts, characters, ideas and more.  The difference between a first issue like this with a lot going on and other introductory issues I’ve reviewed lately is that this one makes me care.  Dominique goes through a lot in one issue and every bit of it makes me want to know more about her and about this world.  The story takes place in the Treme (within New Orleans) and while it is a real world setting its a name that brings so much with it.  People who have struggled, and come back from the brink.  Images of black magick and voodoo.  There are a lot of dark places this series can go: both real, magical, religious and crazy.

Some have complained its a bit too wordy.  Please.  Not only is it a first issue, and thus a lot of things need to be said to set up for the future.  Its also a Vertigo book.  If you don’t want to read, don’t pick up anything from Vertigo.

I don’t want to go into the plot too much yet because I’m not sure what will help or hurt you’re enjoyment of this title yet.  There is an incredible amount of story crammed into one issue already.  Which means by issue 2, 6, 12 and beyond this will be studied and dissected by fans of good comic books.   Which also means Team Hellions will be reviewing and enjoying it again.