blogging by Andrew Wickliffe


Unknown Soldier (2008) #20


Us20

It’s sort of a mellow issue.

It’s an all action issue, with Moses on the run from some cattle raiders. He meets up with this family also on the run from them and the family gets stuck helping Moses try to fend them off.

What’s mellow about the issue is Dysart’s approach–it’s told from the disabled son’s point of view, like a folk tale. Dysart even works in a traditional folk tale disguise element, which is really neat–he’s able to produce an action-packed issue, but told in a really creative way.

In other words, it’s no such Unknown Soldier didn’t sell well. It’s way too smart.

The end of the issue, which returns to Moses and the voice, is somewhat jarring. The last page might be the biggest “action” moment the series has ever had.

Ponticelli’s art is simply wonderful here, giving the story a mystical feel.


One response to “Unknown Soldier (2008) #20”

  1. The smartness of Unknown Soldier is the basic allure, I think. The general depression and bleakness are what hurt this title. While Ponticelli’s art has had it’s ups and downs with me during the series run, I have to say it’s a perfect match for the semi ethereal dimension Dysart is looking to depict. I would also point out that during the run his work has changed and matured in a way you don’t get to witness in most books these days. By utilizing a stylistic approach that allowed him to keep deadlines for a long period of time, you get to see him develop over the two year span uninterruptedly. A bonus for us art wanks.

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