Writer: Jeff Parker
Artist: Ashish Padlekar
Publisher: Virgin Comics
Price: $2.99
With the initial Virgin Comics titles now running to their 6th issues in some cases, the publisher is now beginning to launch a second phase of titles, the first of these John Woo’s Seven Brothers hit the shelves a couple of months ago. Seven Brothers was part of the Director’s Cut line; written or created by famous film directors. This month sees the release of the first comic in the Voices line, which is made up of comics written or created by famous musicians, actors or artists. Dave Stewart’s Walk-In is as the title suggests created, although not written, by Dave Stewart. Yes, that’s Dave Stewart formerly of the Eurythmics…!? Not exactly the first person to spring to mind as a creator of comics, but never the less intriguing.
Walk-In is based loosely around experiences Stewart had during the mid-70s while working in Germany. It centres on a young British man, Ian, who has some problems; blackouts, lost time, strange visions. As a result of these unfortunate afflictions Ian never stays anywhere long and frequently alienates those he bumps into along the way. We catch up to him in this first issue as he roles into Moscow, where he accepts a job in a cabaret/strip club doing an act as a reader of dreams; another of his strange gifts. This first issue is purely set up, introducing Ian, his issues, the other characters and the setting. There are some interesting ideas thrown out there, Ian’s visions of a far future for instance, but for the best part there is nothing here that really grabs your attention or forces you to engage.
The writing by Jeff Parker, who also writes Agents of Atlas and X-Men: First Class at Marvel, is of a decent standard. He captures the voice of Ian, and the character of the Russian cowgirl stripper Valery very well. The pace of the story is OK and the exposition on Ian’s past is filtered in so as not to be disruptive to the dialogue. The art is a little rough. Apparently this is Padlekar’s first comic book and given that he’s done an OK job. The style is very cartoony, which suits the story, and his level of detail and composition is actually pretty good. He’s also done a good job of capturing the grimier side of Moscow. The inking however is a bit heavy handed, which makes the work seem rushed and probably doesn’t do what seem like good pencils justice. The colouring also doesn’t help, being just a shade too dark.
This first issue of Walk-In is an oddity. You get the sense reading it that Dave Stewart has provided an interesting concept, but since the story is quite a slow burn, at least with this issue, you’re left not really sure what that concept might be. That’s not really a great thing for a first issue, since if you don’t really know what the story is you’re not that likely to be back for seconds. Still with some polish on the writing and art this could read really well, which tempts me to say it’s worth a look for the first few issues, at least until it’s clear where we’re going. Not one for those on a tight budget but if your looking at taking a chance on something new this month, you could do worse than take it here.
Having recently finished a PhD in Immunology Ross is currently working for a UK biotech company. He lives in Cambridge where he reads comics, spends too much money on music and attempts to learn Portuguese. He owns at least 7 lightsabers, yet still manages to have a very attractive girlfriend who he misses very much, thus proving anything really is possible.