PopCultHQ

PopCultHQ received a review copy of THE PEACEKEEPERS #3 & #4 from Half Evil Comics. Currently available on Kickstarter, the creative team for this issue features writing from Rylend Grant, art from Davi Leon Dias, colors by Iwan Joko Triyono, and lettering from HdE.

*** PLEASE NOTE: I’d like to begin by stating that I read each issue individually, though the two issues are collected in one book for the current Kickstarter campaign. The following review of the content and creative team’s contributions encompass both issues. I’ve rated each issue individually, as well as a combined rating of the one book currently being offered.

*** ALSO NOTE: Preview pages are direct from the current campaign. The images are from issue one of THE PEACEKEEPERS.

RELATED: EXCLUSIVE Preview of Half Evil Comics’ THE PEACEKEEPERS #3 & #4

Here is PopCultHQ’s Spoiler-Free Review of…

THE PEACEKEEPERS #3 & 4

Written by Rylend Grant
Art by Davi Leon Dias
Colors by Iwan Joko Triyono
Letters by HdE

Covers by Davi Leon Dias & Iwan Joko Triyono

All hell breaks loose in a quaint northern Michigan community when a team of in-over-their-heads bank robbers kills a beloved Sheriff’s Deputy. In a small town with BIG secrets, local detective Richard Holton races to peel back the layers of a depraved down home conspiracy before the bungling Federal Agents assigned to the case send everyone involved to the ground.

THE PEACEKEEPERS #3 – “Five Wicked Acts“

THE PEACEKEEPERS #4 – “A Titanic Nut Punch“

Aaaaaahhhh! The return of THE PEACEKEEPERS! Though it’s been a while since I read THE PEACEKEEPERS #2, issue three kicks off in a way where most of it came back to me fairly quickly. For me, personally, I would have loved a quick recap in the intro or opening credits. But I do read a lot of comics and I can forget little things here and there. That and my age. But we won’t go there.

Regardless, when I began reading, a lot of it flooded right back in this empty head of mine. I mean, two pages in and the level of intrigue and excitement throws you right back into the thick of the narrative. The pieces of the puzzle are filling in and s***’s gonna get hella real! (And yes, I often edit myself in addition to the other writers at PopCultHQ.)

I do want to make note of something significant (at least in my eyes). On page twelve of issue three, assuming that would be page twelve of a printed comic and not just the pdf, it could very well be the most visually stunning and artistically beautiful work Dias and Triyono have put together. On so many levels. It embodies the feels from the “Heroes: The World’s Greatest Super Hero Creators Honor The World’s Greatest Heroes 9-11-2001″ comic book Marvel put out. It’s dripping in emotion, figuratively AND literally. It’s a spectacular and moving display of emotion that is just remarkable. Like, I would buy a print of that page alone to frame and hang in my home. No pressure, just sayin’.

Writing: Any time Rylend returns to Kickstarter, I get a bit giddy (no cap). Because I know we’re in for a real treat in the continuation of any series he crowdfunds. I’ve been patiently awaiting THE PEACEKEEPERS return since issues one and two were bonkers awesome. 

Issue three felt reminiscent of a chess match, sort of like a gambit play… some moves are made to draw out a response, some pieces were added to elevate the dynamic or potentially complicate a situation. Everything going on will get your imagination flowing of where we’re being led in one storyline and the possibilities which may hinder various scenarios. Though the pacing slows a bit from issues one and two, Grant uses this issue for expanding the landscape and adding new twists for which to deal with in the future. The story progression in issue three clearly dictates there is a much bigger story at hand than revealed in earlier issues. This isn’t just a cops vs. robbers story. Issue four proves that. With other departments involved and new people added to the fold, you’ll find there are more than two sides from which to choose your love for or support. Bank robbers? Sherriff’s Department? Feds? U.S. Marshalls? Wrestlers? Heck, perhaps even Elliott’s granny?

The problem I have with Rylend’s writing, and this goes for all the titles in his library, or Grantverse, is I ALWAYS WANT MORE! He’s such a tease. Just when you think you’ve reached the climax of a storyline, scene, or encounter, Grant hits you with more. More than you expected. More than most writers inject into a single issue. The only reasonable conclusion is when a creator is overflowing with ideas & creativity, we’re fortunate to be the receipients of the extra goodies. Take it as a win. I truly though issue three’s layout was building for an epic finale at the end of issue four. BUT’S THAT NOT EVEN IT YET? THERE’S MORE? YES! YES! YES! There is something comforting in knowing that the show will continue. But sometimes it’s hard to believe this much talent can exist in one person. Sometimes it just doesn’t seem fair. It’s kinda like why I hate David Beckham. But I digress.

Art: I always find Davi’s illustrations appealing, but something hit me today of which I don’t believe I’ve mentioned in past critiques. Dias’ inks are on that Goldilocks tip – not too heavy, not too light, never in excess, and always just right. They play such an integral role in bringing life to the characters and the scenery. Not overly done where it’s a distraction, his inking compliments the imagery in each panel the way you hope a story like this would evoke.

Aside from his inking skillset, Davi is right at home with this action thriller. He’s really got the genre on lockdown and is the perfect illustrator for these type of stories. Detailed, striking features, and real depth are on display whenever Dias puts his talent to work. 

Colors: The way Iwan and Davi work together, it’s like they’re so in sync with one another. On everything. So much so that an unknowing reader may think the illustrations and color work are from one creator. Triyono has a true gift for capturing the feel & spirit of the mood and tone of the story, as well as each individual’s persona and essence. It’s not as simple as a, “Let’s just make this red.” It’s a creator that’s passionate by leaving their mark not only in the foreground. If you look deeper, you’ll see the care he provides in each panel. The matted contrast of the backgrounds to the emphasized vibrance of the primary targets for your eyes. It’s a marvelous harmony of a varied assortment of colorist skills and Iwan puts them on display beautifully.

Letters: Try as I may, I never find fault with any of HdE’s lettering work. A consummate professional, his trained hand I’d put up against any letterer out there, novice to seasoned professional. I considered the fact that this creative team has worked together on a number of issues across a few titles now. But I’ve reviewed HdE’s work elsewhere before, so it goes beyond having that familiarity with your creative team. His layouts, placements, and consistency highlight the capable hands the letterer contributes to any story with which he’s involved. Not to try and get him pulled away from Grant and company, but this guy should be featured in top series at Marvel, DC, Image, BOOM!, or Dark Horse.

PopCultHQ’s overall assessment:

The talent of each creator, let alone all of them combined, is worthy of picking up this book and backing the Kickstarter campaign. Grant’s storytelling is the same level of excellence as each of his other titles, not to mention issues one and two of THE PEACEKEEPERS. Dias & Triyono continue to show off their own tag-team prowess in bringing Rylend’s story to life. And HdE, once again, sticks the landing and provides the final, perfect piece to the puzzle to bring it all home.

As I began my read-through, I couldn’t recall if THE PEACEKEEPERS was going to be a four-issue miniseries. I’ve become so used to three, four, or five issue miniseries from publishers these days. But as issue three started throwing in some interesting components and the playing field became larger, and issue four built upon that and increased its intensity, I was elated finding out that this bad boy is far from over. And it keeps getting better. If you’re new to THE PEACEKEEPERS, any of the team’s previous works, or Kickstarter in general, this is how successful crowdfunding is done – always a strong performance by everyone involved, mega-value at any tier of the campaign, top-notch communication with backers, and the confidence that you’ll not only be fully entertained but assured in the fact that you’re involvement in its success is appreciated, respected, and rewarded with high-quality products and timely delivery. Hands down.

PopCultHQ’s Rating:

THE PEACEKEEPERS #3:

4.5 out of 5 Stars

THE PEACEKEEPERS #4:

5 out of 5 Stars

OVERALL RATING FOR ISSUES #3 & #4 COMINBED:

5 out of 5 Stars

The current campaign runs through Thursday, February 29th @ 8:00 PM PST. Its funding goal has already been reached & surpassed. By backing the campaign now, you are guaranteed a successful campaign and will receive stretch goal goodies just by making a pledge. Join us, won’t you?