HAMMERFIST #1 (IMAGE COMICS)
Mike Denton is not a good man.
He’s actually quite deplorable. Denton walked out on his wife and two year old child. The life he’s chosen is anything but glamourous. A bottom shelf killer isn’t exactly screaming “Hire Me” on Linkedin.
This doesn’t stop Denton from getting recruited into a bank heist. Once here, his life changes in ways he could never dream of.
HAMMERFIST #1 by Rick Remender, Steve Epting, Matt Hollingsworth & Rus Wooten (IMAGE COMICS) begins a grimy tale of supernatural and criminal mischief.
Let’s take a look how this opening chapter begins.
HAMMERFIST #1 by Rick Remender, Steve Epting, Matt Hollingsworth & Rus Wooten (IMAGE COMICS)
*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***
Remender has written some wild stories before, but this one is in a league of its’ own. Denton’s initial outing is a gritty one. The writing reflects the devilish work he thrives in. His confrontation with his target is filled with mistrust. Once the action begins, there is no forgiveness in his voice. It shows how broken he has become. This becomes more clear in the aftermath. It is a view that catches the eyes of a mysterious pair.
William and Cindy’s conversation with Mike is blunt and demanding in points. They have their agenda and Mike senses problems. It creates a standstill until an offer is made that Denton can’t refuse. Readers watch as this arrangement leads to more smoke and mirrors. Once engaged, the writing shows Denton swept up in the crime tactics needed to succeed. Remender throws in huge swerves as this job turns into anything but normal. The writing puts Denton on a new path beyond his realm of comprehension. It leaves many questions in the air as he plans his next move. This was definitely more than I was expecting when I checked it out.
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Epting & Hollingsworth welcome readers to the trailer park of Lovelock, Nevada. Panels reflect the gritty backdrop of Denton’s assignment. His half panel introduction leads into an intense stand-off. Readers watch as Denton goes to work with no apologies. This builds right to its’ bloody finish. The full page drive-off sends a cold message before Denton copes with his actions. The mature panels show how low Denton has sunk in his life with no way out, or is there?
His business meeting with William and Cindy shows the pain in his face hearing them pitch their plan. Readers see quite an array of reactions until Denton agrees to the work. The only real emotion he shows is when hearing the score of the job. This moves into an uneasy meeting with the rest of the heist team. It gives perspective of the job right before they go in. Panels become instantly brutal esp. when someone self-explodes, Images become weird as the supernatural is activated in a strong half panel. This spirals into the problematic final pages. Readers see the plan go sideways as Denton finds out more truths. It leaves events in a odd place while Denton’s stern looks close down the show. There’s lots to enjoy with the art.
FINAL GRADE: 9.4
Bold, Raw and unapologetic. The world of Mike Denton is a dark look at the question of power and responsibilty in a gripping debut. Remender doesn’t shy away from the criminal element in his writing. Epting & Hollingsworth unlock views of a broken life tryng to find some semblence of purpose. Settle in for the long haul with this one.
Let me know your thoughts on HAMMERFIST #1 in the comments below. Thanks for reading!
