SMOKE AND GUNS
Published By: Ait Planet Lar
Written By: Kristen Baldock
Art By: Fabio Moon
From what I can tell SMOKE AND GUNS is a stand-alone graphic novel. It does not seem to be compiled from any number of previously released issues. This is also the first graphic novel for writer Kristen Baldock and the first book that Fabio Moon has illustrated on his own (he previously worked with his brother on other books).
SMOKE AND GUNS is a throw-back to hardboiled crime novels and it works rather well. It is not entirely serious (or at least does not appear to be) and its sense of humor is one of its greatest attributes. That is not to say that this does not tell a serious story, as it does. It just does so in a more tongue in cheek way than one would expect from the subject matter.
The writing is a lot of fun, it is witty and profane and moves incredibly quick. The text does not drown out the art here but there is enough of it to tell the story and establish who the characters are without feeling superfluous. The dialogue does at times get a little banter-ish but it is typically amusing and crass and does an efficient job at telling the story while at the same time retaining an edge that I was not expecting to find.
The art is really stark, contrasty black and white. This really reminds me of a lot of Frank Miller’s work at times (though not nearly as detailed) and it really works for the story that is being told. At times the character models look a bit rushed but for the most part everything is above average and really escalates the book above most other similar work.
SMOKE AND GUNS is not perfect but it is a worthy entry into the crime genre and is an especially above average debut for a new writer. I’m really hoping to see these two collaborate again in the future as they compliment each other really well and we can always use more quality crime books on shelves.
