Comic Review: Gunning For Hits #2 (Image Comics)

Jeff Roughvie continues along the path of music meeting comic books, with issue 2 of Gunning For Hits, from Image.

It’s mostly about the music of course, and how an A&R man (Artists and Repertoire) named Martin Mills conducts his business. He signs new acts. So, part salesman, part visionary and part hustler, it really IS all about the music. And how to make a buck in the shark pool. Get in, get an act signed, and get going. Before the entire pack circles the prey.

Issue 2 builds upon Martin’s prospects of signing a hot new band. They’re unknown but supremely talented. In the midst of all this maneuvering emerges a chance to work with a former rock icon. He’s thinly disguised by the writer to ‘not resemble’ thin white duke David Bowie. Which is compelling, even in a fictional account like Gunning For Hits.

It’s a nice departure in terms of material for an indie comic. The atmosphere is rife with conflict, lying, doublecrossing and more lying. Lying in wait for the next deal. Lying awake at night, wondering if you are selling your soul for a contract.

Nicely treated, great dialogue, and fun to read. Moritat illustrates this sordid tale with great control; the drawings fit the words, even if some pages have up to 13 panels! Take THAT, Tom King!! Seriously, this comic is packed with memorable characters and a sense of reality that only the best writer/artist teams can bring us. Casey Silver is on colours, letters, and design.

There’s a 22-page story, plus 8 pages of music musing, music group references and chat.

Image Comics, Gunning For Hits #2, $3.99 for 30 pages of content. Mature rating