Writer: Ram V
Artist: Laurence Campbell
Colorist: Lee Loughridge
Letterer: Aditya Bidikar
Cover Artists: Laurence Campbell, Lee Loughridge, and Tom Muller
Thanks to Image for the review copy!
A hard boiled new detective noir thriller mini-series from the mind of superstar writer Ram V (Blue In Green, Rare Flavours) with art from acclaimed artist Laurence Campbell (Punisher Max and Judge Dredd) and colors by Lee Loughridge (Fear Agent, Deadly Class). When a recently retired detective gets a new lead on an old case he’s suddenly thrust back into the limelight. Trying to solve the case he thought he’d wrapped twice prior he finds himself caught in a deadly game of cat and mouse but this time the stakes are higher than ever before.
I had a chance to chat with Ram V for a moment on Twitter/X this past week in a brief exchange and I expressed to him my very thoughts on this book. In general, how amazing it was! I also confirmed a little tidbit of information regarding its possible ties to another mini-series dropping later in the month and that left me even more excited. If you’ve been paying attention this is a comic the creators have been very excited about and it shows in spades. There’s a look and feel to this book that’s a bit different from other offerings in this genre. It’s creative, carefully planned and thoughtful. The dialogue is rich and full of tension. The protagonist is as real as any of us. He’s seen it all, done it all and clearly made a name for himself. He’s retirement age and ready to hang up the badge but doesn’t appear to have anyone special waiting for him. Unless of course, you count the potential humanoid prostitute he meets with and seems to have developed some type of bond with. In a very emotional scene she goes haywire in the middle of a deep conversation that just leaves him lonely and unfulfilled. I think it’s then he realizes that solving this case is really the only true real thing he has and the possibility of closing out that one last case still gives him goosebumps.
Everything about the issue is carefully laid out and adds to the story. In reading this first issue it reminded me a little of Seven with a little Blade Runner 2049 which had me really excited for what comes next. The art and colors were superbly crafted as well. Rich, detailed and even harrowing at times. The fear of danger and the sights and sounds of the big city after dark lingering in the background. Truly a great start to what I think could be one of the best new mini-series this year. If you are into serial-crime, noir or thrillers in general you will want to get this on your radar ASAP and while you’re at it, watch closely later this month for some exciting (and honestly brilliant marketing) expansion of this universe.
My rating – 10/10 Fantastic!
The One Hand #1 is now available.
Are you going to pick up the comic? Have you already, if so what do you think of it? Feel free to leave a comment below or chat with us on Twitter/X at @TheConCollectve, Threads at @theconventioncollective, or Bluesky at @theconcollective.bsky.social
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