Publisher: Image Comics
Writer: Jason Aaron
Artist: Jason Latour
Release Date: 28th May 2014

Earl Tubb has gone down like the proverbial ‘turd in a punchbowl’ since returning to his hometown in Craw County, Alabama. He’s already been dicing with the local gangsters and for a guy who’s been back in town for just one day, he’s not short of enemies. The place just ain’t like it used to be but then again, maybe it is.

Craw County isn’t a good place for a tough old guy who takes no shit. In this place, most people have to grin and take it by the shovel full. The guy holding the shovel simply goes by the name of ‘Coach Boss’ who has a solid grip on this sleepy town.

The faded colours, grey skies and empty streets fill this barren place with character. Everything looks so bleak and desolate; the only exception being a football game starring ‘the Runnin’ Rebs’. The local team is the main attraction and source of pride for the locals so it’s only fitting that it’s even remotely colourful. The characters themselves are an intimidating bunch, full of menacing toothless grins, and an appetite for violence.

The dialogue is very convincing, often harsh and flows brilliantly with plenty of bite. Beneath all of the bravado though, you sense their fear; like it’s a pack mentality they’ve picked up over the years. It’s frightening stuff captured effortlessly in the writing.

The plot is burning slowly but the quality is there to keep you gripped. Earl is as hardboiled as they come and seems tough enough to face the past, or even just the place, he’s been running from for the past 40 years. I love him already. Whether he likes it or not, he looks up to the challenge. His clenched fists and gritted teeth show the anger he’s struggling to keep in check. I just want to be around for the reckoning.

Rating: 5/5.

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The writer of this piece was: James McQueen
You can also find James on Twitter.