A striking and successful fusion of noir and supernatural, this is a hugely engaging and entertaining comic. Detective Gabriel Gatti has the case of a missing child. It mirrors the disappearance of his own daughter five years ago. The case soon moves in unexpected directions. Detective Gatti finds that there is something terrible developing in Glasscity.
The story starts as a hard-boiled noir and steadily moves to something else. This transition is smooth and effective, the bleak tones of noir remain the unifying element. The story is bleak and uncompromising; it is the fierce energy and determination of the cast that makes so interesting.
David Cranna commitment to this story is striking. The opening sets up the reader for an unforgiving story. He still pushes harder than expected as the entire premise of the story changes. The closing of the second story shows David Cranna’s storytelling skills as he expertly ties both parts of the story together. He does this without undermining either major story element setting up the third episode.
The cast repel sympathy; they refuse to have it. They act with angry determination to do as they want to get what they want. The heat from the conflict as they smash into each other attracts and draws in the reader. This is a risky strategy for a writer. It could easily repel the reader. David Cranna has the talent to make it interesting instead of excluding.
Roman Gubski provides art that perfectly captures the tone, intent, and content of the story. The panel layout frames the kinetic energy of the story. A cast that is bristling with rage, greed, fear, and energy. The story has an intensity that the art translates and demonstrates with confidence and skilful detail. Glasscity has a grasping presence that serves the story perfectly. The lurid colours are the emotional register that the story requires. It gives room for the variety within the narrow range encompassed by the story. It is extraordinary how many degrees of rage and fear that can are expressed and clearly differentiated. The story never descends into a one note blur for the reader.
Ryan Bielak has a hard task to complete, guide the reader through the story without getting in the way. He accomplishes this with admirable skill. The reading is clear and easy; it pulls the reader with the different aspects of speech and narration are clear and unobtrusive.
Glasscity is a singular vision, a challenge to the reader to give themselves over for the ride. They will be very glad that they did so.
