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WHITEOUT:MELT
The
sequel to the Eisner-nominated series is this month's featured
work.
 Writer:
Greg Rucka
Artist and Letterer: Steve Leiber
four-issue miniseries
published by Oni Press, 1999-2000
$2.95 each
Reviewed
by Marc Bryant
Many creative works suffer from what is known as the "sophomore
jinx." An album, film, book etc. is a hit. The follow up though,
is less than stellar, in terms of sales, acclaim for the creator,
or both. The term is not an entertainment industry myth, by any
means. It happens time and time again, on projects to numerous
to mention here. It applies to comics, just as much to any other
medium.
| "Rucka and Lieber
provide an able, engaging sequel" |
Thankfully, WHITEOUT: MELT by Greg Rucka and Steve Lieber
is not one of these instances. Rucka and Lieber provide an able,
engaging sequel, revisiting the life of their protagonist, US
Marshall Carrie Stetko. While the first story dealt with a wider
supporting cast and focussed on Carrie’s detective work, WHITEOUT:
MELT is much more action-packed and sticks with the hero for
the duration of the story. Carrie is just as tough and resourceful
as she was in the first installment, a ready model for creators
in crafting stronger female leads in their own works. The increase
in physical action doesn’t hurt the story at all, though. The
plot is fast-paced but never trips over its own feet with hurried
exposition or wholes in the storyline and is packed with twists
and turns that make every page a thrill ride. The dialogue is
sharp and economical, a trademark of Rucka’s work, both in comics
and his Atticus Kodiak series of novels.
| "Artist Steve Lieber continues
to deliver just as much as Rucka." |
Artist Steve Lieber continues to deliver just as much as Rucka.
His panels are rich with what has become a trademark gritty texture
that brings Rucka’s scripts to life perfectly. His characters
are beautifully human and the harsh environment of Antarctica
becomes a character in itself. Lieber’s narrative tone and pacing
are top notch as well - the quiet moments simmer and the action
scenes explode off of the page.
The only complaints I have here are minor ones. I miss Sharpe,
the British intelligence agent from the original WHITEOUT.
Hopefully we’ll see her in the spotlight in another installment.
Also, I miss the guest covers from Dave Gibbons, Matt Wagner and
Mike Mignola from the last series. Still, this latest cover design
is bold, and publishers Oni Press are to be commended for a taking
a chance with a facet of the medium that has grown pretty stale
lately.
Rucka and Lieber have delivered another triumph with WHITEOUT:
MELT, proving all the naysayers of sequels wrong, and beating
the dreaded sophomore jinx. Bravo, and here’s betting on a hat
trick.
Recommended.
Marc
Bryant is a regular contributor to PopImage.
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