A little disclaimer before delving into my review of Glory #23; I have not read any of the previous chapters of Glory, nor do I know the background of this character or the creative team behind this issue, Joe Keatinge, writer, and Ross Campbell, artist. I am not a normal reader of Image Comics and the only name in the book that I recognize is Rob Liefeld’s. Considering all of these factors, I am reviewing this comic for the type of consumer I have become in this instance; a brand new reader entering unfamiliar territory.
When judging any comic book or graphic novel, whether deciding to purchase a single issue or begin a new adventure with a different genre, I have assimilated the criteria that I inherited from the gentlemen and ladies I have come to know and love at my local neighborhood comic shop. The criteria in question usually include the same three subjects: story, artwork and a familiar creative team. Since I am not familiar with this creative team, I have judged this comic on the two remaining criteria.
Whereas I would not describe the story as particularly exceptional, I am a little biased because I do not know the history, and after only 24 pages of story, I feel any judgement would be incomplete. However, I do feel that any story, comic or otherwise, that leaves me curious as to what happens next, and entices me to purchase subsequent chapters, is good. This comic does exactly that. I am definitely curious as to what happens following the events of the final page.
Despite the good story, and the creative team performing well to quench my unapologetic thirst for violence and realistic adult situations in comics, I was not a fan of the artwork. I often use the descriptive “sharp” to praise a well drawn, inked and colored story, and I did not feel that the artwork in Glory #23 was “sharp”. It was certainly not sloppy by any means, but I just was not impressed. Sometimes a good or even great story that propells a reader to frequently open their wallet for the product can be dampened by mediocre artwork.
I would recommend anyone who is a fan of comics, bored with their current conquests, or just wants to try out something a little different, to give Glory a chance. I will at least check out the next issue, and who knows what will follow. A continued, or even better, story may lead to me opening my wallet to Image more often.
