Buzzard #1 Comic Review
So, I think it’s fair to say that there is some really interesting, unique stuff out there in the world of Small Press comics at the moment, and Buzzard definitely ranks on that list.
I received an email from creator Andrea Wolf, asking me to take a look at his comic, described as “a pulp action comedy about a London chav turned international super assassin” and, well, I couldn’t resist. Obviously with a set up like that you’re probably expecting Kingsman mark 2, but Buzzard sets itself apart early on.
Language
The standout thing for me, that separates Buzzard from something like Kingsman is the language. While Eggsy doesn’t have quite the same cultured speech that the other Kingsman agents do, Erik takes it to another level. I couldn’t help but draw a comparison while reading to the unique language of Anthony Burgess’ A Clockwork Orange.
I asked creator Wolf if that was intentional. He replied “I was not going for Clockwork Orange specifically, although I love that film and I’m sure it did inspire me on some level. I imagined Erik as a colourful, hectic, machine gun mouth. Someone who speaks ironically, instinctively, who can’t keep up with his own thoughts and who wallows in the ambiguities and sardonic possibilities of the English language.”
Vulgar and expletive laden, it can feel a little over-done at times. Given that this is a first issue and as such needs to make an impact, I think it can be excused.
The Story
It’s a frenetic tale, to be sure. Our Erik, aka Buzzard, is a teenage wannabe assassin. When we first meet him he’s working for a crime boss as a hired thug. On a botched job he falls in with another assassin by the name of Kal. Kal would be a great hitman apart from one thing. He has a major flaw. He’s a junkie. So the pair make a deal to work together. Things go seriously sideways for our young hitman. Thankfully, due to some dubious drug dealing, he made the acquaintance of some shady scientists. They give him a helping hand and set him on an altogether more intriguing path.
It’s a solid story, albeit one crammed with a lot of action and minimal exposition which can make things a little confusing at times. Hopefully if this issue is a success the creative team will ease up on the frenetic pace and let the story develop more in future. Let the audience get to know the characters and their connections a little more.
Artist Ezequiel Assis has done a tremendous job. There is a lot of detail, so much so that I think I was still picking up things on my third read through. There are things hidden here and there in the background. My only complaint here is that, given the very ‘colourful’ nature of the main character, not to mention the action, the stark black and white visuals felt a little lacking.
Kickstarter
Buzzard #1 is currently funding on Kickstarter and is currently sitting a fraction off being fully funded with 2 weeks left to go. You can check out the campaign here, and meet the main characters of the story.
