Diamond In The Rough – … and the other on a banana peel.

I’m still in the throes of trying to figure out exactly what this column is and why it should exist.  The titles reviewed here should be under-the-radar delights; well established books that are solid, entertaining and unknown.  Too often is the temptation provided to do a write up on “the new hotness” before it’s proven to be worthwhile.  It’s the trepidation to avoid that temptation which prevents a regular update schedule.  Well, that and the black ops missions.  The emir of Qatar paints his toenails when he’s nervous – true story.

Writer: Gail Simone
Artist: Horatio Domingues
Publisher: WildStorm (DC)
ISBN: 1401231756
Find the TPB on Amazon

Welcome to Tranquility: One Foot in the Grave is the sequel to to the 2007 Welcome to Tranquility run from Wildstorm comics.  Although I’m sure the original title is genius, we’ll instead spend our time today focusing on the more recent incarnation; mostly because I haven’t read the originals.

The main thing that stands out in Tranquility is the tongue-in-cheek humor that permeates each page; from the sanitized mouth of the local sheriff to the interstitial ads for movies, food, and sea monkeys promoted by the “supes” of yesteryear.  Each issue is bursting with self-deprecating nods to the golden age comics.   You can’t help but enjoy the sarcastic homage that lays bare the short comings of that era while glorifying it in the same breath.  And the critical analysis doesn’t end with the capes and cowls comics.  The sharp wit is just as precise in jabbing fun at comic strips, horror books, and detective comics (natch considering WildStorm’s holding company).

While the initial hook is the humor, the story is what keeps you coming back.  Having no previous knowledge of the plot is in no way off-putting.  The characters are introduced at a good pace and made familiar through their actions.  The references to the original story arc are kept brief, explained where pertinent and promptly moved past where not.  The whodunit story kicks off fast and furious and refuses to slow down at any point along the way.  The mystery villain is kept secret only briefly, but the motive for the crimes is left unknown for a good long while to stiffen the impact.

Gail Simone has, as expected, written a phenomenal book.  But just as phenomenal is Horacio Domingues’ art.  Visceral combat, morose brooding, humorous dialogue and psychotic ravings are all given the emotional punch they deserve through his work.  It’s intriguing how the characters maintain a cohesive style while simultaneously embodying the derivative source they portray.  A delicate balance to be sure, and gloriously executed.

With the recent dissolution of WildStorm comics by the DCU, it’s sadly doubtful that we’ll see this title come around again.   A true shame worth mourning.  But than again, nothing truly ever stays dead in comics, right?  Welcome to Tranquility could be resurrected.  Who knows?  Well … Ian Sattler, probably.  Jim Lee, too.  And Gail.  Mostly Gail.