The Winter Men

[krikkit13]

I didn't see this book on too many lists last week, so I hope this gives it a bump, 'cause it's pretty excellent.

Writer: Brett Lewis
Pencils: John Paul Leon
Colors: Dave Stewart
Inks: not sure...

The book starts off with an introduction to the idea of "Winter." This is the code name for a Russian cold war project in which they created super-men and rocket soldiers that would defend the USSR against US nuclear weapons. Today they have been relegated to myth.

In modern day there are 4 rocket soldiers left. Our hero works with the police, and his home life is crumbling. The other three work as a soldier, a body guard, and a member of the Russian mafia.

The story get moving when a baby is kidnapped by team of ex-Spetznaz troops. The case is deemed unsolvable, but someone high up wants it solved, and the hero is chosen as the guy to do it. There are indications that the child has something to do with Winter.

The storytelling is dense and layered, with individual voices throughout. The dialogue reads well and I never once thought that it was too wordy. Leon's art is sparse, while staying realistic. Occasionally he ramps up the details, and it's always convincing. Stewart's colors are almost all flats, which lends to the dreary broken down tone of the book, and they never call attention to themselves. I'm really looking forward to seeing how this book plays out over the 8 issues that it's planned for.

[Pardot Kynes]

I picked this up yesterday, but haven't read it yet.

[Knigge]

This comic is way more than what I expected. This is probably the best pamphlet I've read in a month. Everyone go get it. Or maybe I'm just biased, cause I love Russian stuff. Damn dirty pinko.

[misfitX]

I saw an ad for it in one of my rags. Looked neat. I'll keep my eye out.

[Pardot Kynes]

I finally got around to reading this, and I pretty much agree with what krikkit13 had to say.
The dialogue is spot on, and the exposition is excellent, particularly at the beginning. Top notch writing.
The style of art fits the story perfectly. The sparse lines and toned down colors evoke the mood and bring life to the somewhat dreary locations.
I'll definitely be reading the remaining issues in the series.

[krikkit13]

Issue 2 didn't disappoint in the slightest. The art was pretty mind blowing - especially a splash page at the very beginning of a Brooklyn street. I don't know if Leon photomanips his backgrounds (it doesn't look like it), but that is damn impressive regardless.

This part of the story involve Kris' (lead character) attempt to infiltrate the illegal organ trade run by the Russian mob out of Brooklyn. It may be a bit talky for some people, but this issue features a bit more action, and this run is looking more and more like a great choice for people who like a good layered story.

[Knigge]

Definitely didn't dissapoint. Actually, the only thing that's dissapointing is the lack of people who are checking it out. The art is awesome. The writing never bores. The setting and characters are interesting. C'mon people! You're missin out!

[krikkit13]

I finally got around to reading issue 3. I actually had to read this one twice to pick up on exactly what was happening - the framework of the story is a briefing, and the main character leaves out a lot of details that are filled in for the reader as flashbacks. It's clever and it works well, but it was a bit confusing the first time through.

If I didn't know better, I'd say the story was wrapping up - a character even mentions this - but we're not even half way (it's an 8 issue mini), which is great because I can't get enough.

However - what's the word on the next issue? I've seen cover art for it, but there's nothing on the DC/Wildstorm sight that indicates it's coming out in the next 3 months. I hope they didn't cancel it...

[Knigge]

I'm pretty sure they didn't cancel it. I think I've seen a cover for issue 5 or 6. But yeah, it was a bit confusing at first. Really layered, and it makes you pay attention to everything that's being said and done. It actually seems like all he's putting in isn't just filler and is crucial to the story. It might be a little too detailed at times, but I'd rather choose that than having a bunch of holes.

It's too bad so few of us are picking it up, because I can see a lot of room for debate, conversation, and theories as to what everything means and what might happen next. Oh well.

[shoryukenmaster]

During most of this issue I was telling myself that I should just start back over and read issues 1-3 and see if it would make a little bit more sense. Not that I don't have an understanding of what's going on, but like you guys mentioned it is heavily layered. I want to pick up on the small stuff. I supposed that tonight I'll reread them all.