We3

[Popninja]

We3 #1 (of 3)

Written by Grant Morrison, art by Frank Quitely

I was looking forward to this comic for months, more than anything for the reteaming of Morrison and Quitely. I must confess, when it comes to Morrison, I become a real comics geek. And Quitely is one of the best artists working in comics today, and he just doesn't do enough. So, I ran to my shop to get this comic and I was not disappointed.

The story is about three animals, a cat, dog and rabbit, that are used to carry out covert operations. They've been experimented on and are trained killers. I don't want to give anything away because I highly recommend this comic and think that it should be bought and experienced, but the basic plot of the first issue is that the trio (We3) find out they are going to be decommissioned and stage an escape.

Quitely's a genius. The first 13 pages are dialogue free, but you know exactly what's happening because Quitely puts you right in it. He really manages to pull off some of the most imaginative perspectives, and while the artwork at first glance appears very simple, it's just loaded with minute detail. I guess I should give Morrison some credit, but it really goes without saying that Grant is a master. The combination of the two, Morrison and Quitely, is just beautiful to behold.

Buy this comic. NOW!

[DeForgeo]

I like Morrison alot, and I thought this first issue was wonderful. I think books like this and Seaguy are great examples of the "pop comics" Warren Ellis wrote about- fun, punchy, 3-issue minis.

Frank Quitely's art here reminded me a alot Geoff Darrow's work in Hard Boiled. I keep hearing this story described as an ultraviolent Incredible Journey, so I hope it means Quitely gets a chance to really show off his guns during some of the fight scenes.

What I liked most about the issue was the dialogue between the animals. Extremely erie and bizzare, which is what I tend to expect out of Morrison.

[bindlestitch]

I haven't gotten it yet but I want to this weekend. I love Quitely's stuff. Anything he does (almost regardless of story) I'll buy. I can't get enough of his art work.
Morrison on the other hand is.....confussing. I like a lot of his stuff but some of it just goes over my head. He reminds me of a David lynch in the comics field. I tend to stay away from his non mainstream stuff because I just have a hard time getting anything from it. But like I say, I do like some of his more mainstream work.
So Quitely sells this one for me.
Thanks for the review Pop.

[MasterWerk]

wow. this one is a really special book. it truly is a testament to Morrison thaat a premise so lame could be as intriging and heartfelt as it is. Quietly's stuff was good, but not great for me. He fit the tone of the story and told Morrison's story well and that's all that really matters for me.

I'm definately on for issue 2.

[Chris Piers]

It made me hunt down my cat and pick him up for a big hug.

[BenitoCereno]

I really enjoyed that spread of that guy getting shot. That's the most beautiful shooting I've ever seen.

I can't wait to see the rest of this book. I was really impressed with the first issue.

[Scott M.]

I thouroughly enjoyed this issue.

There were a couple of things that I'm wary about though. Quitely's aret was great, but the pallette was a little dark. I know the tone is dark, but I thought that the lab should be better lit, flourescent lighting and all. I mean, the reds were a little over-powering, imho.

The other thing that had me a little concerned is the cat's demeanor. I think the stereotype of the "evil" cat is a little overplayed, and am nervous about this just being Bucky (from Get Fuzzy), but with guns.

Other than those two, small points, I really did like the book, and am anxious to see where they go next with it.

[xadrian]

I just picked up #1 and was stunned. One of the best first issues I've seen in a while. I agree with Pop on all points about the the synergy between Morrison and Quitely.

I am a little concerned that this issue came out almost 2 months ago and I haven't heard tale of #2's arrival. Have I missed it?

(CTRL+F on all Benito's posts.)

[Deunen]

Issue 2 did come out. I believe last week. I'm also really enjoying this series. Morrison's new JLA series JLA Classified just came out this past Wednesday. Ed McGuinness is the penciler.

[johnfellows]

Reposted from elsewhere...

"WE3 is a wonderful piece of work in it's presentation of Quietly's skills. It's basically an exercise in form and structure, with the two of them working very closely on what the panel can do. The actual plot is less interesting than his other works (Even the seemingly plotless works) with it's basic A-B-C flow. However, his attempts to play with the action sequence (Something he played with briefly in MARVEL BOY) are ultimately vindication of the entire mini.

Also, the subtextual commentary on modern warfare, potential misuse of GM and the maturation of children's stories is so well-hidden, but ultimately integral to the story. It's the simple touches like the angle he shows all the human characters that evokes old TOM & JERRY - the animals are the focus even in non-animal scenes. His previous attempts at linguistic experimentation (As previously attempted in NEWXMEN's silent issue) have really paid off with the "Animal speak".

It's essentially a chance for both Morrison and Quietly to play with the artform - a 3-issue experiment. It's finding a greater purpose for the 3-issue block, which has proven problematic to such greats as Ellis. It's one of those mini's that will be looked back on as an inspiration, but will probably only be evoked by those who truly understand it.

And CATS WITH GUNS!"

[Crestmere]

One of the best miniseries ever.

[larq2525]

I'm really late to this thread, but WE3 is a masterpiece. Just had to say that.

[slash]

It's a really good piece of work, but I have not been able to read it since I first read it. it's just a difficult story to re-read.

[DemonX01]

i read it recently and it was really good, but a tad gory :skull:

[Crimson Spider]

I haven't read this yet. Does that make me a bad person?

[Popninja]

I haven't read this yet. Does that make me a bad person?

No. But if you like Grant Morrison and Frank Quitely, then I would highly recommend it. It's a great little mini-series.

[Crimson Spider]

If I buy comics this week, I'll get the trade.

[swampy19]

It is fantastic highly recomend this animal tale

[Geekboy]

If WE3 doesn't make you cry, you're a heartless bastard.

[sdowner]

Weird that this came up- I JUST read We3 for the first time this week. Such a great story. Disturbing, weird and oddly touching. Highly recommended. It's like Terminator meets Homeward Bound.

[kae_ae]

zombie thread!

this book has been on my mind recently actually. certainly a future classic for the 00s.

[Popninja]

This would make a great movie.

[John Shine]

This would make a great movie.
I believe it has been optioned.

[killingyouguy]

I believe it has been optioned.

Yeah. Morrison wrote a draft of the script. That was a review of it up last year or so. Supposedly awesome. Doubt itll ever happen though. We get G-Force instead. Sigh.

[jmoormann]

So I haven't posted on PJ for months, but I gotta say this is probably my favorite book of all time. I picked it up on a whim and have shoved it into the hands of everyone I know.