Writer and Artist: Jason Little
Single Issue
Published by Beekeeper Cartoon Amusements 1998
$3.50

Reviewed by Marc Bryant

The comics industry needs more readers. The general consensus is that the stumbling block that prevents readers from giving comics a shot is the lack of diversity in most comics subject matter. If you didn't grow up following super-heroes, odds are you're not going to have much interest in reading them as an adult.

Unfortunately, while independent titles offer more in the way of sophistication and intelligent storytelling, the overall episodic format tends to lack accessibility. And production values in many of these books, with the economic restrictions that prohibit color printing and so on, can be anything from mediocre to just plain poor.

Jason Little's JACK'S LUCK RUNS OUT bridges the gap between the mainstream's production quality and the alternative scene's storytelling strengths perfectly, presenting a comic that is perfect for new readers and longtime aficionados alike.

"JACK'S LUCK RUNS OUT sets a standard for production in independent comics"

The protagonist, Jack (natch), is a hard-drinking gambler, looking for a way out of his self-destructive life. But is his newfound mentor Rex the solution to his problems, or big trouble for both Jack and his showgirl girlfriend Gina?

The highlight of this book is the delightful novelty of its presentation. The characters are all taken from playing cards, Jack, King and Queen. Like the card images, the expressions of the players never change, but their actions and dialogue speak volumes. All the colors and patterns are drawn from playing cards as well (this is the first Xeric Grant-aided book to be produced in full color) and the design work provides the perfect contrast to the seedy Las Vegas setting.

The story is a deadpan tale of greed, lust and excess in the tradition of such non-comics writers as David Mamet, Raymond Carver and Harold Pinter. The plot moves along effortlessly, with nary a word or line in excess or out of place. The back-up story, 'The Abduction Announcement' is presented in an experimental "3-D" format that rivals the lead feature for innovation and excellent storytelling.

JACK'S LUCK RUNS OUT sets a standard for production in independent comics as well. The book is full color, on slick paper, with quality lettering and design work from cover to cover. All for the unheard-of price of $3.50.

Strong, offbeat, self-contained storytelling, unique presentation and top notch design make JACK'S LUCK RUNS OUT the perfect comic for people who "don't read comics", in addition to those of us who have been reading them all our lives - living for the moments like this which come along all too infrequently.

Recommended

Marc Bryant is Features Editor of PopImage.

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