Product Description: In a remote coastal village in Northern Scotland, the choice between money and happiness has never been clearer or carried such deadly consequences. When Moss arrives, he is accepted as what he appears to be: a somewhat grubby American backpacker on holiday. Gradually the town begins to realize just who it is they're harboring: a Special Forces soldier turned drugs smuggler. If that wasn't bad enough, he has a lot of really rough bastards riding into town after him. The safety of the town and the woman he loves vs. the successful conclusion of a very lucrative drug deal... which will Moss choose?
Brian Wood Works in Greg Rucka Territory I'd seen some mixed reviews for "The Tourist," and while it's not Brian Wood's finest moment (that would be "Demo"), it's still an above average story. All the signs of a gritty crime story are tapped: the secluded locale, the lonely smalltown girl, the repentent criminal, the drug deal gone sour. It would make a pretty good movie, a la "Insomnia"... If you're a fan of stories like Greg Rucka's "Whiteout," then this book is up your alley. The artwork, by Toby Cypress, isn't pretty to look at; while it serves the story well in most respects, it's too stylized in some panels to determine what's happening as far as action goes.
The Tourist Ok, today I'm going to talk about THE TOURIST.
Published by one of my favorite publishers in the industry right now, Image Comics, this graphic novel is about an American backpacker named Moss, who, as the story went, turned out to be more than just an ordinary backpacker, he's in actual fact a Special Forces soldier turned small time drug smuggler who travelled to a village up on the North Sea.
And through the course of the story he befriended a lady named Julie. They got really friendly in fact and they fell in love. The typical boy meets girl scenario. But Julie found out that Moss has more behind the curtains than he's comfortable letting on and that's when the bullets started flying.
This story is so reminiscent of FIGHT FOR TOMORROW (one of my favoritie Brian Wood stories), in the way that there's an uncanny similarity between the main characters. Cedric, like Moss, is a loner, an enigmatic character with dark secrets. They both were pretty lost in their respective lives, but they both fought their way out of their haunted pasts. Even the plots of the two stories have similarities.
What's different though, was the manner in which their problems presented themselves. Although, like Cedric, Moss had to deal with some pretty tough company in the form of drug lords, the way the problems started showing up in THE TOURIST was structured differently.
By itself, it's a light, refreshing read. with lots to like. Yes, the art isn't amazing and Toby's style is very Eddie Campbell-esque, but it's still a good Brian Wood graphic novel; a good story with a good hook and a moral behind it. The only problem I had with it? Well, lets say the art does get a little confusing sometimes...
I suggest anyone wanting a different type of Brian Wood book to check this out. It's worth the Benjamin to get it.
Like a child that shows early promise, then becomes a bum. Had potential...loads of it. However, the plot deteriorates and becomes predictable. Even worse, the book ends when it should just be changing into 4th gear. The art isn't my favourite either.
OK in my book, but is completely blown away by much of what is out there. My friend thought I was too harsh on the book, but he definitely agreed with me on the art and that there are better reads.
Still can't believe that this is from Brian Wood, because I enjoyed DMZ so much (it is vastly superior - an excellent read). Must have been a very bad week for him when he came up with this one.
Anything Goes Trivia
Megaton Man
Trevor
