Sisters of Sorrow, a soft cover trade collection of issues 1-4 of BOOM’s comic title, packs a powerful punch.

This title, written by Kurt Sutter and Courtney Alameda, and illustrated by Hyeonjin Kim (colors by Jean-Paul Csuka) delves into the heavy topic of spousal abuse and hammers home some strong messages.

At the Haven House for Survivors of Domestic Violence in Los Angeles, an abuser has climbed the outside walls and gained entry. From there, things get rough. The former spouse has vengeance on his mind and a gun in his hand. Half-crazed from anger, he terrorizes the women inside the House. In subsequent minutes, hours and days, the surviving women gather together to wreak their own havoc.

There are powerful men in the community, banding together, with a code of silence around the issue of spousal abuse (and murder). The women, disguised as religious sisters, are on a mission to equalize and terrorize their abusers.

It’s dramatic stuff. Full of hatred, violence, revenge, and retribution. Writers Sutter and Alameda do a good job in conveying what’s at stake: the safety and sanctity of women and their families when no one will protect them. The art is heavily dramatic to match the subject matter. Strong poses, nicely choreographed scenes, great facial expressions.

It’s rough stuff, grisly and primitive. But well said, and well read.

BOOM Studios, Sisters of Sorrow, 116 pages of content for $19.99. Mature readers

By Alan Spinney

After a career of graphic design, art direction and copywriting, I still have a passion for words and pictures. I love it when a comic book comes together; the story is tight, and the drawings lead me forward. Art with words... the toughest storytelling technique to get right. Was this comic book worth your money? Let's see!!