Reunited…and it feels so good.
One of the comic industry’s dream teams, Brian Azzarello and Eduardo Risso, are collaborating again, and the result is one of the best books of the year. Moonshine, published by Image Comics, is a period piece that’s equal part prohibition tale and horror story in one fantastic package.
Lou Pirlo serves as muscle for a New York crime boss, and said boss is eager to expand his illegal alcohol empire. To that end, he dispatches Pirlo to the backwoods of West Virginia to negotiate a deal with moonshiner Hiram Holt, the man behind the best booze around. Unfortunately for Pirlo and his boss, Holt is extremely protective if his hooch. A group of federal agents finds that out the hard way as the issue opens. Holt has the potential to go down as one of the great villains of modern comics if the first issue is any indication.
The issue is vintage Azzarello and Risso. If you’re a fan of 100 Bullets, you’ll love this book. Azzarello is a master of his craft, and that mastery is on full display here. He managed to make a creepy backwater town even creepier than one would imagine, and I’d go so far as to say that the town is almost a character itself. The real star, however, is Risso.
I didn’t think it was possible for Risso to top his work on Bullets, but he just might have with Moonshine. He’s colouring his own art on this series, and the tonality is perfect. Earth tones paired perfectly with reds and blues make for a striking contrast and yet work perfectly together.
I simply cannot say enough good things about this book. Yes, it’s dark. Yes, it’s violent. No, it’s not for everyone. It is, however, in the mix for my favourite title of the year. If you’re a fan, don’t miss out.
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