Comic Review: Ruule: Kiss & Tell TPB (Image) by Rudy T.

Love can make a man stupid and in The Swede's city one stupid move can cost you everything.




Kiss & Tell is the story of Sam Swede, the self-appointed protector of the East side of his city, who has two priorities: keeping his neighborhood safe and women. After warning Boss Rocco about the price of stepping into his territory, he soon sees and beds Phyllis; Rocco's daughter. When Sam and Phyllis become engaged Rocco vents his frustrations to Don Daggoni and other mob soldiers like himself. They assure him this union is in his best interest as the Swede wouldn't do anything to upset his new bride as speculation arises of who or what the Swede really is but most important: how is it possible for him to have the strength he possesses? At an engagement party the Swede poses a challenge: if anyone can guess the secret of his strength in a week then he will reward them with thirty suits but if they can't they have to give him thirty suits. A mobster named Vetto agrees and even gets Rocco to persuade Phyllis to get the information only to have the Swede give her misinformation. When the Swede learns of the betrayal, he takes his revenge on Vetto's men and holdings, leading Vetto to go Don Daggoni for permission to retaliate which he is given. When the Swede discovers what Vetto has done, all bets are off.

Ruule: Kiss & Tell is an interesting re-imagining of the biblical story of Samson from the book Judges and Amano's ability to take a story that's been told for centuries and by simply placing it in a 50's noir setting breathed new life into these characters. I've read and heard the story of Samson and Delilah ever since I was a kid and this comic really had a great way of showcasing the story to people who may not be as familiar and are just looking for a good twist and turn tale. There were an abundance of characters but most were given enough time to develop and help the story progress. Rousseau's animated style eased some of the heft of some of the story's more violent parts and depending on your outlook that can be seen as either a hindrance or a blessing.

Extras include: Cover Galley of issues 1-4 of which Amano does the first three and Alex Maleev (Daredevil) illustrates number four., a two page breakdown of the writer's references and influences throughout the series, a three page preview of Ronin Hood of the 47 Samurai Graphic Novel and a listing of other Beckett/Image titles.

Written by: Jeff Amano
Art by: Craig Rousseau

8.5/10
Rudy T.