Last Sons of America #1 (of 4)
Writer: Phillip Kennedy Johnson
Art: Matthew Dow Smith
Colors: Doug Garbark
Letters: Jim Campbell Boom! Studios Available NOW
When a biological terrorist attack makes it impossible for anyone in America to conceive children, adoption of kids from other countries explodes. Brothers Jackie and Julian are adoption agents based in Nicaragua. They usually do all their options through legal means, but they’re facing increasing competition from straight-up kidnappers. One desperate move from Jackie could put them in the cross-hairs of some very dangerous people.
Johnson puts together a story that very quickly sets up a demand for children, and then moves in the child brokers – men who negotiate with parents in impoverished villages to buy their children for them. They do make the valid point that the children will have more opportunities with their much richer new parents, but that doesn’t make talking people into giving children up for adoption any easier. They still consider their way of doing business more ethical than picking up kids on the street. He’s given these men a code, and show the shame when they consider crossing the line. A wonderful distinction, well-told.
The art is very real – grim and heavy, and a little dark to show the seriousness of the situation and the world in general. The action is easy to follow, and it all is weighted and genuine. An excellent start to what should be a tremendous story.
