Agent Kevin Collins is wrapping up his farewell speech. It’s his last day working for the FBI. He’s seen so many things, so many people come and go. Now he can finally rest. When he goes to turn in his paperwork, he’s met with a new mission: solve a murder on the US/USSR ice curtain bridge. With no other options, he’ll have to travel to “No Man’s Land” immediately to prevent a war of epic proportions!
- Story and Art by Szymon Kudrański
- Translation Assistance/Editor Atom Morwill
- Letters by DC Hopkins
The Cold War Tension in No Man’s Land
The Cold War. One of the most tense and dangerous times in World History. Two juggernauts standing ready to destroy one another in a war of terrible weapons. Somewhere between Alaska and Russia lies two islands on each side of the border where ice can form a bridge between them. With peace at the tipping point, a woman’s body is found on the ice bridge, disemboweled in a strange killing. Now, Agent Collins will be thrust into this harsh part of the world to solve this case before time runs out and the end begins!
More From Image Comics: FREE PLANET #5 – YOU GOTTA FIGHT FOR YOUR RIGHT TO BE FREE
The overall plot itself isn’t anything new. It’s the Cold War and there’s something that happens that couple spark another World War between nuclear powers. The human aspect makes it different. It’s the fine tooth comb with which this story is groomed with.Szymon Kudrański displays a prolific skill set with the masterful artwork and deep, dark story construction.
No Man’s Land Provides Masterful Character Development
This is a deep dive into the psyche Agent Kevin Collins. Its surgical precision on the part of Kudrański. At first he seems like a simple man but as the pages turn, he gets more and more complex. The web that is woven begins so much more detailed. Collins is sharp as can be. He’s grizzled and experienced beyond compare. He’s also in a broken marriage. His social life has been sacrificed for service to his country. He’s never had to fire his sidearm. He’s solves things through wit as opposed to force.
The Art of No Man’s Land
Each panel and page of this issue is a work of art. The fact that Kudrański could take the time to flesh out a story and character like this while producing such beautiful artwork is impressive. Its style fits the mysterious political noir themes so well. To be so stylized, it’s so detailed and emotive as well. There are so many images of importance on some pages that will reveal something new after each glance. It’s almost breathtaking.
Overall Grade 8.5/10
This one is deep. It read almost like it was made for TV. There is tons of dialogue and narration that reveals information in small portions. When you put all of that together you get one dark and brooding overarching story. Collins is brilliant and flawed. The situation is dire. The stakes are high. The tension is thick. If you’re willing to put in the work, and you’re fascinated by history and murder mysteries, this book is for you.
This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.
Leave a Reply