Lucifer Fawkes and Days of the Dragon
Posted: Tuesday, July 20, 2004
By: Steve Saville
Writer(s): Ulf Imwiehe
Artist(s): Ryan Sergeant, Jim Keplinger [letterer]
Publishers: Rorschach Entertainment
From: USA
Price: $3(US)
In the space of 31 action packed pages we have a self contained futuristic comic featuring a violent troubled main character, we have at least two Zombies decapitated, Elvis makes a cameo appearance, there is a climatic intra computer battle between the mystical dark forces and the frontline defender of the planet [known as the keeper] plus an ending which fails to resolve who has actually won. Yes all of this in a mere 31 pages.
I had two initial emotions when I finished reading this comic. The first was despair because the cover claimed that this was issue one of one. These characters were too rich and too interesting to be discarded after one issue, I wept. So I was relieved to see that there would be further Lucifer Fawkes adventures. This at least explains the sequel inviting ending of this first adventure. The fact is that the two main characters, anti hero Fawkes and the masked law enforcement officer Constable 1V, need further space to develop as characters. As a reader I am desperate to know more about their background and their role as defenders of the planet. The fact that both are masked merely adds to this desire. We are told that Fawkes is a frontline soldier [called a keeper] fighting to keep an ever encroaching supernatural darkness at bay. He has to fight these demons while keeping their existence a secret from an unsuspecting world. Well I guess that would explain his troubled demeanour and the fact that he is prone to bouts of moodiness and extreme violence.
He is revealed to the reader in a methodical, somewhat bleak, step by step manner which creates the impression of a character who has had all feelings of joy and happiness leached out of him. The array of empty bottles that surround him and having his face hidden in shadow during this exposition all enhance this impression. He is a pretty scary dude.
My second initial emotion was recognition. The artistic style of Ryan Sergeant is visually reminiscent of New Zealand’s Jared Lane. The fact that Jared’s 'Progress' comic is one of my favourite current titles meant that I instantly warmed to Lucifer Fawkes. Like Jared in 'Progress' the art work is tight, sharp and confident. Both artists make effective use of the bold outline to enhance the 3D effect of their characters. The comparison between 'Progress' and 'Lucifer Fawkes' is relevant for another rerason. 'Progress’ is into it’s third instalment, the complex story line demands this, Lucifer Fawkes , on the other hand, feels a little crowded as so much is jammed into its 31 pages. The basic plot is fine but I am left wanting more. I am confident future issues will answer my questions.
The comic has a masterful opening page. We zoom in from the establishing shot of Fable Towers in the year 2025 and track through the interior as we search for the source of the gunshots that echo through the empty rooms. The tension that opens the comic is maintained throughout.
Lucifer Fawkes is a highly satisfying read. It looks great, the writing is direct and effective and the production is professional. With the second adventure titled 'Bloodflow’ the action looks set to continue.
In a Word: Tight.
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