Posted on: January 16th, 2012 ADVANCED REVIEW: Glory #23 by Joe Keatinge and Ross Campbell
GLORY 23
Joe Keatinge , Ross Campbell
‘ONCE AND FUTURE,’ Part One
EXTREME’S ORIGINAL WARRIOR GODDESS RETURNS! After missing for almost a decade, Glory’s whereabouts are uncovered by a lone reporter, but the globe-spanning conspiracy keeping her hidden from humanity could make her return more dangerous than anyone ever anticipated! This first issue of an brand-new saga written by Eisner & Harvey-award winner JOE KEATINGE and illustrated by Wet Moon and Shadoweyes creator ROSS CAMPBELL sets up Glory’s future by expanding on her past in a way promising to shock long-time fans and excite all-new readers!
[Reviewed by Curt Pires] Glory tells the story of Gloriana Demeter. A child of two worlds, she finds herself torn between her mother’s people and her father’s, who are at war. If you’ve seen the few preview pages of the issue floating around you’ve no doubt been clued into this element of the story.
What you are probably not aware of is the awesome direction that Joe Keatinge and Ross Campbell take this story after these initial pages. I don’t want to spoil this for any potential readers, but suffice to say : you are in for a treat. The story takes a tone ,particularly in the second half of the issue that owes more to Stieg Larsons’ “ The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo” than to any particular brand of the capes and tights variety. Keatinge and Campbell manage to set up a mystery here that not only pulls the reader in, but sets the stage for the foreseeable future.
In a manner not only do the creators serve to not only build up Glory as a character, and the extreme universe as a viable one, but they shatter the very notion of it only pages later. This is a book that takes your expectations and your prejudices about what a Rob Liefield created character is, what an Extreme book is, and forces you to toss them out the window in the best possible way.
On the writing side of things Joe Keatinge turns in a strong script , with solid pacing, believable dialogue , and control over pacing that serves to draw the reader in and effectively convey the story. This is a book that is definitely substantial in content, but never overwhelming. Simply put, you get your moneys worth of content. As well as being a great jumping on point for new readers the story remains respectful and tuned into fans of the earlier run of this character, referencing the characters past stories , and also featuring a cameo by Extreme staple SUPREME.
Artistically, Ross Campbell delivers a refreshing take on the character of Glory and her world . Ross actually has a really interesting European sensibility to his work that lovers of art will appreciate. Characters have distinct facial features, mass, and shape , which in an age of bodacious carbon copy women and steroid abusing hero’s is much appreciated.
If the goal of The Extreme relaunch is (as Imagine it is) to bring in new readers , tell interesting stories that can stand on their own , and push creative boundaries, you can chalk this one in the win column. Glory 23 is a fun ,meaty, read. But more importantly a coming out party for the creative talents that are Keatinge and Campbell.
Writing 4.5 , Art 4
Glory 23 hits the shelves Febuary 15th 2012 for the price of 2.99. You can reserve a copy now by using this code : DEC110469 , at your local comic shop.
Curt Pires is a writer based out of Calgary Alberta Canada. When he isn’t contributing to da squid he can be found writing comics, binge drinking coffee, maintaining his stache, or watching COMMUNITY. Connect with him on twitter : @CurtPires