Share this
Stan Siegel is a comic book writer and university professor dealing with stress in every facet of his life. When a supernatural Neo-Nazi cult threatens him and his daughter in search of his father’s ring, The Writer will discover that his cultural roots holds traditions that can grant him great power!
- Written and Created by Josh Gad and Berkowitz Bros.
- Art and Colors by Ariel Olivetti
- Letters by Frank Cvetkovic
- Published by Dark Horse Comics
Who or What is The Writer?
The man of many talents Josh Gad brings his personality and comedic timing to the paneled pages of the comic book world in The Writer this week from Dark Horse Comics. Mild mannered university professor and comic book writer Stan Siegel, modeled after Josh Gad himself, finds himself in a slump. His university job is turning a blind eye to anti-Semitic activities on campus, his relationship with his ex-wife is strenuous, and now Neo-Nazi Occultists are hot on his trail! After special powers are granted to him by a family heirloom, he’s garnered attention from warring factions, putting him and his family in the cross hairs!
The History of Comic Book Culture
Josh Gad and the Berkowitz Brothers collaborate on a story that is rooted in Jewish history, tradition, and culture. What I think is most important about this comic book being a fun history lesson on Jewish culture is they fact that comic books themselves were shaped by creators of the Jewish faith.
DC likely wouldn’t exist without the likes of Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster, creators Superman, as well as Bob Kane and Bill Finger, creators of Batman. The same goes for Marvel and their team of Stan Lee and Jack Kirby. To see their influence spread and raise this amazing medium to the industry it is today is fantastic. The Writer acknowledges that too, with small references and Easter Eggs.
There’s More To The Writer Than Writing
With all of that history established lets move on to the present. Josh Gad and The Berkowitz Brothers start this tale with a history lesson of King Solomon and a special ring he possessed. Fast forward to the present and we see Stan Siegel teaching a history class with said ring on a necklace. After a few conflicts are established, it’s clear that Stan is having a rough go and Stan decides to wear the ring that his father warned him to never do. The ring activates a power in Stan that kicks off the action as everyone around him seems to be after the ring and it’s power.
Comic pages Courtesy of Dark Horse Comics. Story by Josh Gad and the Berkowitz Bros. Artwork by Ariel Olivetti
Much like the legend of the Golem, when certain incantations are written in his fathers notebook and placed on his tongue, he transforms with a special power in tow. With assistance from his delightfully written Mother and even the Sword of Moses(!), it’s a white knuckle, action packed, high speed chase from Occult Nazi’s and a secret society of the supernatural for the power he now holds.
The Artist is the Key to The Writer
No comic book would be great without artwork from a talented artist. Ariel Olivetti brings a classical, iconic look to the panels of The Writer. Olivetti has been a mainstay in the comic book industry for decades and his work in this issue shows an experts touch. The opening pages are works of art worthy of some of the best oil paintings you would see in any classical gallery. Highly detailed characters faces and forms as well as beautifully executed lighting techniques provides each page with depth and immersive, dynamic action that pull you into this world.
If you enjoy this book you may also enjoy these titles from Dark Horse Comics! The Goon, Helen of Wyndhorn, and Count Crowly: Mediocre Midnight Monster Hunter!
Everything Points to 9/10
The Writer is a great opening issue for what proves to be a fun and exciting adventure. It reminds me of some of the great stories like Indiana Jones, National Treasure, or The Adventures of TinTin that take us on an adventure full of action while also rooting itself in history, compelling lore, and legends. Ariel Olivetti makes it even better by providing artwork on each panel that could stand on it’s own as a work of art. This one is going on the pull list for sure.
