Comic Review: Greek Street #1 (Vertigo) By John H

What a mess…

Funny how if for one second you think life has finally giving you a break, then you find out the brief reprise you were experiencing, was fate preparing to take a swing at your head. Really, how can you tell when something bad is going to happen? I mean, sometimes our deluded senses think well we can’t go any lower, but then they decide “Hey, let’s make this fall from grace a @#$%^&* spectacle”.




This was the overall impression I got when I read Greek Street #1. The characters seem to be on the verge of various epiphanies or inward voyages. The various protagonists (if you can imagine these characters as do-gooders) are involved in various dealings on this particular street. This is a very loose introduction; the authors do not delve too deeply into the individual storylines, preferring rather to rely on the visually poignant and violent scenes set upon this lugubrious street.

The cast of characters seem to be a mixed lot: A deluded teen who was put in a home as a toddler, seeks out his mother and will do anything to make sure she remembers him. A closeted detective, who while investigating a gruesome murder site, seems to be haunted by trio of spectres. A Mafioso, with a decidedly wicked sense of justice, is willing to use his own son to prevent a gang war from erupting. A down on her luck stripper, who thinks her ticket out of hell, is becoming a mistress to one of her clients. These are just a few of the characters whom seek redemption, but cannot for the life of them see the light, as they are so blinded by their inner darkness.

The story is very much like a car accident: you know you shouldn’t look, but you can’t help yourself. The scenes are very graphic, almost too graphic at times, and the writing is as equally vivid. This is definitely not a book for kids, but adults will find this haunting comic a guilty pleasure in itself. The last page alone is enough to make you want the next issue!

8.5/10

John H