Image Comics review 4/26/23 – The Ambassadors #3, Local Man #3, Torrent #3
Local Man #3
Local Man is such a smooth, laid back read and a refreshing change of pace for comic book readers.
Jack Xavier is still seeking answers after his archenemy was killed. Since he’s not some world renown detective, Jack has to take a slow approach to cracking the case as he tracks down one of Hodag’s associates.
This investigation might have put another potential victim on the radar of the true killer who’s ready to add another name to their ledger.
Writers Tony Fleecs and Tim Seeley approaches the story like a kettle on the stove. It might take awhile to enjoy what they’re brewing up, but so far it’s been well worth it.
Fleecs‘ art, likewise, has a restrained and relaxed nature that doesn’t promise more to the readers than what’s playing out. It’s the mark of a confident artist who knows he doesn’t have to “rescue” the story with flashy art. Brad Simpson’s muted colors also reflect the balanced storytelling approach in complementing the story and not taking it over.
As always, the secondary story drawn by Seeley, offers more of a peak 90s tale of Jack’s exploits as an Image-influenced superhero.
Seeley adds some clever context a la Lost so the flashback story ties into an exchange or moment in the main story.
Local Man continues to be an enjoyable, well-paced deep dive kind of comic. Similar to The Good Asian, this is a title that connects on an individual issue level and will only make for a more satisfying read when it’s completed and collected.
Rating: 10 out of 10