- Writer and Artist: Steve Skroce
- Colorist: Dave Stewart
- Lettering and Design: FONOGRAFIKS
Thanks to Image Comics for the review copy!
One of the things I’ve been most interested in while reading POST AMERICANA is learning more about the underground bunker people that serve as the primary antagonists in the book. Issue 3 delivers on that in a big way, giving a pretty extensive history for that crew. The story throws in some explanation as to why the world became a post-apocalyptic nightmare as a bonus.
Because it spends so much time providing background information, this issue lacks some of the explosive action seen in the first two issues. But don’t worry, it still has its fair share of explosions and blood. The issue also has its funny parts (A riff on “clicks” was particularly funny).
Amidst the exposition and violence, there’s scant time for character development. Mike so far doesn’t do much more than serve as a human embodiment of the ‘thing we have to go do.” Carolyn on the other hand is given more attention, as two new characters give her some backstory. Based on dialogue and her actions alone, she is the more interesting character of the two. The end of the issue teases a new plotline that could provide ample opportunity to develop her further.
The art continues to impressively detail a world with futuristic technology that has been cobbled together and run down. The robot featured on the first page is a standout, and I love how it is given a whole page to make it stand out. The contrast between Carolyn’s rusty dirty world and the shiny pristine bunker is particularly effective. Finally, as has been the case with this series, there is incredible attention to detail. From a wall of pictures, to a partially burnt photograph, to a robotic arm, the art packs in a surprising amount of intricacy.
POST AMERICANA is definitely a book geared for mature audiences, with cursing and violence galore. The series has gotten off to a strong start through three issues. I recommend starting with issue 1, but given the amount of explanation that is provided in this issue, it is a decent fallback starting point.
The third issue (of the six part mini-series) is now out.
Check back in a few weeks for my thoughts on the fourth issue of the series.
Did you pick up the first issue? Are you going to get the second? Let me know on Twitter or leave a comment below!
