Writer: David Hazan
Artist: Sami Kivela
Colorist: Ellie Wright
Letterer: Simon Bowland
Thanks to Mad Cave for the review copy!
A new crime thriller and historical fiction series from the awesome Mad Cave! When an accountant for the Jewish Mob seeks out their assistance in a desperate plea they are quick to dismiss him and offer him retirement instead. Retirement and severance, but not in the way he thinks as he’s tracked down at his home by the mob’s head goon for termination. Thus, leading him on a new and risky path that could have lasting effects on both his family and their livelihood.
Who doesn’t enjoy a little reprieve from your average superhero comic to take in a gripping and truly original crime caper that involves a lot of possible murder mayhem and the mob?? This was a fantastic issue and it pulled me in right from the beginning pages. Hazan does a great job of laying the framework and introducing us to the main players and central theme. It’s a traditional mob story with some creative key differences that make it interesting and unique. It involves a Jewish accountant and family man, who is working for the Jewish mob and yet still dealing with Nazi propaganda and discrimination on the home front.
Unfortunately his desperate plea to the mob for help has put him on the outs with the mob itself. They don’t appear interested in mixing business with personal issues and feel as though it may disrupt their operation and enterprises. As you can imagine this puts our main character Howard Berkowicz in a bad place which appears to create a lot of conflict for him and potentially his family as our story begins. However, without ruining the twist in this first issue he finds an unlikely ally who may agree with him on certain fronts. This ally offers his services depending on some very important decisions Howard will have to make in order for this relationship and new partnership to work. Will it work? We have no idea yet but there is enough drama, intrigue, and tension in the first issue to fill a whole series! I personally can’t wait to read the next issue! Kivela also adds some fantastic art which really helps sell the whole mob, hitman theme, and scope. His characters are bold, richly detailed, and seriously not to be messed with! I really love how this book was colored as well. It has an almost old timey quality to it that adds to the historical qualities of this book. The book is just as gorgeous to look at as it is to read and you can tell each part down to the bombastic and carefully placed lettering was planned with great care. Huge fan of this book out of the gate folks! If you are a fan of The Godfather, Goodfellas, or even Dick Tracy be sure to grab a copy of this book from the shelves…
My rating – 10/10 Perfect!
Kosher Mafia #1 is now available.
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