Letter 44 #1 Review
Publisher: Oni Press
Writer: Charles Soule
Art: Alberto Jimenez Alburquerque
Colors: Guy Major
Letters: Shawn DePasquale
Covers: Alberto Jimenez Alburquerque
Review by Scott Keys
What would you do if you found out that everything you thought you knew was wrong? Now imagine that you were the President of the United States, and you found that out? Letter 44 #1 tackles this scenario, but what did I think of it’s execution? Read on, my friend, read on.
Letter 44 has, by far, one of the most ambitious premises that I’ve ever seen in a comic. Soule’s writing is absolutely superb! I won’t get political (such a polarizing topic, isn’t it), but you know who the “Presidents” are in this book. What I really enjoyed of Soule’s writing, is the fact that all the “bone-headed” things and wars that were started, were done with a truly global purpose in this universe. What would you do if you found out that aliens were building a super-weapon in your solar system? I’d probably quit on the spot! I’m out! But Soule’s President Blades is a very strong, compassionate character that doesn’t want to lie to the public anymore. The problem there is, SHOULD he tell the public? Makes for quite the interesting book, in my opinion.
Coming in to this title, I wasn’t familiar with Alburquerque’s work, but was pleasantly surprised upon reading this issue. At times, the art was a little cartoony for my taste, but by the end of the issue, those feelings were assuaged (especially seeing that weapon on the last page!). I definitely loved his depiction of the tech, and how each person had a unique look (no cookie cutter faces here, people). I hope next issue has more of that space team, because that’s where the art truly shined.
Letter 44 #1 was one of the strongest premiere issues I’ve read in awhile. With an intriguing premise, excellent writing, and unique art, I’ll definitely continue reading this series!
Art: 4.5 / 5
Story: 5 / 5
Overall: 5 / 5
Scott Keys is a father, Butler University grad, pharmacist, and full-time comic nerd. You can follow his adventures around the spinner-rack and his Incoherent Comic Book Ramblings on:
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