Welcome to Craw County, Alabama, home of Boss BBQ, the state champion Runnin’ Rebs football team…and more bastards than you’ve ever seen. When you’re an angry old man like Earl Tubb, the only way to survive a place like this…is to carry a really big stick. From the acclaimed team of JASON AARON and JASON LATOUR, the same bastards who brought you Scalped and Japan’s Most Wanted, comes a southern fried crime series that’s like the Dukes of Hazzard meets the Coen Brothers…on meth.

This comic book sets the stage for a tale steeped in Southern grit and small-town tension. At the same time this comic book is offering us as readers a strong sense of place and atmosphere, though it leaves room for further character development and narrative exploration.

The writing itself in this comic book introduces us as readers to Craw County, Alabama, a place where football reigns supreme and secrets linger beneath the surface. The story follows Earl Tubb, a man returning to his hometown after many years. The creators of this comic book creates a narrative that is rich in local color and tension, capturing the feel of a Southern Gothic tale. The dialogue is authentic, with a raw edge that reflects the hardened lives of the characters.

The central theme of this comic book (confronting the past while dealing with present challenges) is pretty compelling in my opinion. Earl’s return to Craw County is fraught with unresolved issues and a community that hasn’t changed much since he left. The creators of this comic book effectively sets up these conflicts, hinting at deeper tensions that promise to unravel in future comic books in this series.

The artwork itself in this comic book is a highlight of this comic book, because it is capturing the rugged and gritty essence of the setting. The illustrations we get in this comic book bring Craw County to life with a stark, almost oppressive atmosphere that complements the narrative’s tone. The character designs are distinctive, reflecting their tough, weathered personalities. The artwork in this comic book has the ability to convey emotion and intensity through the art enhances the storytelling, which had drawn me personally into the world he and this comic book has created.

While this comic book excels in setting and mood, it falls short in character development. Earl Tubb, though intriguing, is not fully fleshed out in this initial comic book. We as readers are given glimpses of his history and motivations, but these elements remain largely unexplored. This lack of depth makes it challenging to form a strong emotional connection with the protagonist from the outset.

Despite these limitations, this comic book hints at a rich tapestry of stories waiting to unfold. The blend of personal conflict, community dynamics, and Southern culture provides a fertile ground for future exploration. The potential for character growth and deeper narrative threads is evident, suggesting that subsequent comic books in this series may delve into these areas more fully.

I Give This Book 3 / 5