• Comics

by LargeMarge67 on 01.12.12

I have spent a great deal of time and energy singing the praises of indie comics, as I find that many of the stories in these books go down roads that Marvel and DC cannot. I don’t blame the “Big 2” for this because they must cast a much wider net to attract readers and reach certain sales goals to cover costs. Having said that, if you never expand your horizons by giving some indie titles a shot, you are really missing out on some fantastic books. Case in point; Foster, a new title from Dog Year. Created by Brian Buccellato, an amazing writer and colorist (who currently works on The Flash for DC) and drawn by Noel Tuazon (Elk’s Run and Tumor), the book centers on the life of Eddie Foster, a miltary vet with a penchant for booze and the occasional suicidal thought…

Foster seems like a loser at first glance but his compassion for the downtrodden characters that inhabit Vintage City makes him a heroic figure and it seems that he may be on the brink of greatness. He befriends a boy named Ben, whose junkie mother has apparently abandoned him, and it is this relationship that drives the narrative.

There is a supernatural element in this book (which I won’t spoil for you) that kicks in at just the right moment and propels the story forward at a breakneck pace. Buccellato uses a minimalist approach to lay out all the exposition that a first issue requires while providing just enough information to keep you engaged. Dialogue is sparse and to the point, which is another feature that will have you flying through pages at a brisk clip.

I have mentioned in past reviews how much I love photorealistic artwork and how I’m always more drawn to books that at least come close to that but I may be turning a corner after reading Foster. Tuazon’s art works perfectly with the story being told, as the jagged edges and distorted quality he injects into every panel are a clear reflection of Eddie’s life and world.

I really enjoyed Foster and eagerly await the next issue. The ending alone was enough to bring me back for more and that is always a huge selling point for me.

So, no excuses, people! Buy it now or a Dweller will have your ass! Don’t know what a Dweller is? Only one way to find out; What is a dweller?

Your ass, and life, could depend on it…