Review – Tech Jacket #5 (Image Comics)

Publisher: Image Comics
Story By: Joe Keatinge
Art By: Khary Randolph, Emilio Lopez
Release Date: 5th November 2014

Once more this series opens on a childhood flashback, but his time it’s the enigmatic Mr Crowe’s relationship with his imposing, and obdurate father that serves as the focus. In stark contrast to Zack’s supportive upbringing, we see a confused and frightened child forcibly moulded to his father’s will, and set on a course from which he must never deviate for fear of sullying his family’s reputation.

Over the last few issues, Joe Keatinge has gradually opened a door into Mr Crowe’s mind and motivations, and with this disquieting backstory he adds another layer of ambiguity. Ostensibly, he is the series’ antagonist, but now it feels like there might be something else beneath the surface. Is he driven purely by personal gain? Or is he a ruthless, uncompromising ‘hero’ who intuitively understands the nature of relative sacrifice for the greater good? It’s one of many question posed by this series, which has shrewdly retained focus on the core narrative whilst building a vibrant universe around its characters; a true testament to the strength of Keatinge’s writing and considered pacing.

As ever, the book’s artwork is superb, and features another of Khary Randolph’s wonderfully composed battle sequences; this time between Crowe’s expendable prototype Tech Jackets and the mighty Colossal. It’s a fascinating blend of stillness and dynamism, which expands and contracts time between the panels to great effect. Perspective is also cleverly manipulated, especially in respect to facial expressions, by using varying close-ups of character’s eyes as a tool to express emotion or intent.

Tech Jacket continues to impress, and issue five is another outstanding effort from a creative team very firmly in their groove. This initial arc has only one issue left, and with the fate of our hero hanging in the balance, it’s not one I’m going to miss out on.

Rating 5/5.

The Writer of this piece was: Martin Doyle
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