CRIMES AGAINST NATURE #1 (IMAGE COMICS)
Doctor Kermit Groeden & Amigo the Ape are pretty well known celebrities.
They’re also on the run for a crime they didn’t commit.
The quest to clear their names might cost the best friends everything.
CRIMES AGAINST NATURE #1 by Eliot Rahal & Mattia Monaco (IMAGE COMICS) presents a wild new story of friendship and fame.
Let’s take a look how this opening chapter begins.
CRIMES AGAINST NATURE #1 by Eliot Rahal & Mattia Monaco (IMAGE COMICS)
*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***
writing:
Rahal presents the most unlikely duo in comics as they go down a dark path of fame. The opening showcases Groeden speaking to a reporter about his side of events. His dialogue i worn out and tired as its’ clear Groeden has been through some things. After a quick time jump back, readers meet Amigo, the first ever Oscar nominated gorilla. His introduction is more playful with a twist of Hollywood theatrics. It doesn’t take the pair too long before the debauchery begins.
To promote the Oscar nom, hey hit a late night talk show. The writing locks in on many traditional moments viewers would see. However, one moment switches up everything. Groeden’s mannerisms change to a very unruly fashion. This launches the pair into a downward spiral that comes with grave consequences. Readers watch as one night out turns into a domino effect leading to a shocking ending. Once here, the writing throws a major curve ball into play. It sets the stage for some more insanity yet to come and who doesn’t want to see that?
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art and lettering:
Monaco opens evens with Groeden on the run. His hotel panel is everything one would expect with him on the run. The full page image does wonders selling the crash and burn after effects to some major event. As the story jumps backwards, it allows readers to meet Amigo via two page spread. His bair and switch tactics work to win over the audience before the late night show spins out of control.
Image here lock in on many familiar themes. The lettering jumps off panels to oversell the moments as they do on TV. Once the cameras are off, Groeden’s demeaner changes quickly as an offensive move is made. This leads to a loud half panel that slams into rock bottom mode. The Vegas time is filled with some humorous shots before returning home for the final act. At this stage, the drama comes fast and furious to Groeden. A bold full image seems to handle one aspect but leaves a greater one in its wake. This caps off with a superb final full shot leaving more questions than answers. Monaco was a one-person creative team on the art side and deserves some praise for that.
FINAL GRADE: 9
A wild and innovative look at the strength of friendship during trying times. Rahan delivers a blunt and direct vision of this unique pair with the writing. Monaco presents the good, bad and wtf with incredible imagery. Buckle in as this ride is about get a whole lot more chaotic.
Let me know your thoughts on CRIMES AGAINST NATURE #1 in the comments below. Thanks for reading!
