Damned, Vol. 1″Three Days Dead” (Oni Press – Bunn / Hurtt)
Sometimes, the only person you can trust is a dead man. Caught in the middle of a sinister web of murder, kidnapping, betrayal, and damnation, Eddie – cursed and unable to rest- can’t escape the city’s most ruthless warring demon gangs. This action-packed prohibition-era thriller combines the supernatural sensibilities of Joss Whedon with the stark reality of MILLER’S CROSSING and THE GODFATHER. This collection contains all five issues from the first miniseries.
There has been a good amount of positive buzz surrounding the new Damned: Prodigal Sons series from Oni Press and figured it was worth my attention. Before I jumped into that one, I figured I should read the original mini series trade… and heck, who’s not interested in demonic gangsters.? 🙂 This trade covers the five issue original series (’06-’07).
This supernatural period piece takes place in the middle of a prohibition-era gang war between two rival “families” which are openly-demon led and operated. Eddie, Damned‘s main character, is a free-floating, hard-fisted, tough-nosed lieutenant in this war with one big issue… he’s been cursed and won’t stay dead for long. This curse makes him a little bit more valuable and a little bit more expendable to whomever he happens to be working for. This expertly carved story stays true to the genre. A classic, well-structured gangster thriller… complete with lost loves, double-crosses and more grifters, thugs and muscle than you can keep track of. If Oni had left it with that, you would have had a fantastic story that any “Untouchables” fan would have given the thumbs up to. But when you mix in the supernatural aspect: curses, pacts, restless spirits, giant maggots and demons out for revenge… not only do you have a story that is well-told but you one that is extremely fun and will keep you at the edge of your seat. Once you start the trade, you won’t want to put it down. The dark-inked art fits the feel of the story. It hits just the right of balance of feeling the darkness and dirtiness that overwhelms most of the setting and still allowing good details. This trade is must have and is one of those books that is well worth the cover price!
I am definitely pumped for the new series now!
Trade Grade: A
