Review – Butterfly #1 (of 4) (BOOM! Studios)

Publisher: BOOM! Studios (Archaia)
Writers: Arash Amel and Marguerite Bennett
Artist: Antonio Fuso
Release Date: 24th September 2014

I’m fond of a noirish spy thriller, I am, so when I saw the previews for Archaia’s latest addition I was pretty excited. Before I start, it’s going up against some stiff competition: to me, Ed Brubaker’s set a very high bar. But I’m approaching with an open mind.

The cover art is an immediate grabber, the unconventional layout and design bringing to mind some for Morrison’s more out there 90s works. Once we’re inside, we’re in comfortable territory, with our former-CIA protagonist Rebecca / Butterfly laid out in rich yet sombre tones. The framing with consecutive cut-ins sets us on edge and draws us into the narrative; there’s definite nods to ‘Sleeper’ in terms of both Sean Phillips’s art and Brubaker’s writing, but it doesn’t distract, rather setting itself up comfortably within the genre.

When the inevitable twists come, they are far from unexpected, but they play on our understanding of how spy thrillers work. By switching narrators, we get a dose of originality and we’re brought back into the story with a bang.

If I’m being a bit vague, it’s because I don’t want spoil it. If I’m being too analytical, it’s because I want you to know what you’re getting into. This is a great read, with real potential. If it can distinguish itself with enough of an original take, then it’s going to be a must.

Rating: 4/5

PREVIEW ARTWORK.

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