Image Comics reviews 3/29/23 – The Ambassadors #1, Local Man #2

Killadelphia #29

Toussaint Louverture has nearly completed his mission of wiping out the vampires that have plagued Philadelphia. The perpetrators have largely been killed and there’s just a handful left.

Among them is John Adams, who is resigned to his fate. Adams reflects on his life, legacy and the state of America that he’s unsure will ever equal the vision he had when he and the forefathers signed The Constitution. In terms of big action moments, writer Rodney Barnes makes this a far more introspective issue after the carnage of the last few issues. It works in the context of a character coming to grips with his imminent death for a second time.

Jason Shawn Alexander gets to be more creative in his layouts particularly as Adams reflects on some of the highs and lows of American history. Germán Erramouspe handles the actual pencils establishing a haunting contrast between the two and the remorse/pain in Adams’ eyes is captivating. Robert Melendrez provided background ink assistance as well.

Colorist Lee Loughridge weaves together some masterful uses of blacks, red and oranges. It makes for a stunning visual.

Killadelphia is winding down the big war, but it hasn’t lost any of its bite with its unique fantasy take on American history.

Rating: 8 out of 10