It’s time for Assassinistas #1, From IDW’s Black Crown imprint. And what’s the verdict? Does it kill, or does it die a slow death?
The first issue, with “Lyrics” by Tini Howard and Art by Gilbert Hernandez (colors by Aditya Bidikar) starts off with three female assassins in a hotel room. They’re getting ready for their assignment, but the atmosphere is more like they’re going to the prom; hair, wardrobe, and booze.
That was then; this is now: Things have changed for Charlotte, Octavia, and Rosalyn. Charlotte’s a mother of one boy, with one on the way. Octavia is a mom too, deep in debt and working for a ‘life protection insurance’ company, and Rosalyn, well, who knows exactly what Rosalyn’s doin’, you know what I mean??
Life’s all about kids, the kids we’re expecting, and the friends of kids. And kidnappings. Sort of the suburban afterlife of three assassins.
Gilbert Hernandez’ artwork is noticeably cartoony for the subject matter, with its thin lines and flat color schemes, but it does sort of work. The suburban afterlife does actually lend itself to a type of surreal cartoon style. Tini Howard’s dialogue is spot on, with its inflections and dialect. She has an ear for conversation.
All too soon, this issue’s done, and we’re waiting for things to develop into more depth, in issue 2.
Check this one out if you like tales of alternate lifestyles, mixed with surreal assassin action!
IDW, Assassinistas #1 #3.99 for 26 pages of main comic. For Mature readers
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