A gripping and very engaging noir crime comic. In a crumbling New York City -“One hour into the future” a war between the mafia families has brought destruction upon them. Alonzo, a top assassin for one of the families is being hidden by his brother , Charles, the Monsignor to the New York Police Department. Alonzo, whose wife and children were murdered, chafing at the restrictions decides to visit some old friends. New York city is in turmoil as police and gangs fight over the spoils. Alonzo is given the task by his Don to find the killer of the other Don’s and Alonzo sarts to look and finds that there is something very nasty going on and that Charles is up to his neck in it. The story unfolds carefully, the reveals are very nicely set up and the layers are steadily uncovered as the struggle for control of the future of the city emerges.
Jerome Charyn has created a very strong context for his vivid and determined cast to move in, New York city, steadily crumbling but still a vast prize is a looming presence in the story. It is the background and the foreground for the story. From the Mayor in Gracie Mansion and his rich supporters to the homeless destitute rooting in the garbage for scraps, the city hold everyone in its grip. The mafia families were a powerful force in the city, now they are waiting to be captured, the police have more ex-officers prowling the streets than active officers. In the middle of this there are those who are ready to seize an opportunity to assert their control. Alonzo and Charles are playing and being played in this game for the city.
They are not alone, Jerome Charyn has a gift of creating characters instantly so the walk on parts are all full of life and demand the readers attention as much as the leading players. With the leading players the determination to be themselves and take control of their lives pushes them forward with tremendous force and when they collide with each other it is always a full speed. This gives the story great forward energy and depth as the cast move and maneuver to survive and gain the advantage they seek. The multiple possible meanings of Family are quietly explored as loyalty is tested and pushed to the limits.
Joe Staton’s art is a joy to read. It creates the context vividly and the cast move through it naturally and effectively. The cast are all eloquent in their body language and their actions while they use words to hide and disguise. From quiet conversation to savage action the art is confident and powerful, the every nuance of the writing is brought forth naturally and clearly. This is great crime fiction, there is a colossal crime at the hear of it with a cast that is bound together and pulled apart by loyalty, family ties and greed. The cast are never less than true to themselves and that gives the drama a cutting edge.
