Rosemary Herbb: The Return #1
Reviewed By: David O' Leary
Story by: Stephen Paul Coffey
Art by: Barry Mc Gowan
Lettered by: Ger Hankey
Cover by: Barry Mc Gowan
Cover Price: $4.50
This book is the first outing in comics of a young girl who had discovered that she can see ghosts. In the first novel Zodiac: A Rosemary Herbb Adventure, Rosemary, aged 11, and with the help of some friends, and a mysterious Nanny, have to battle her next door neighbor to save the destiny of everyone on the planet. Fast forward about 6 years to where we find Rosemary in a coma and about to awake to a world she finds difficult to comprehend.
The story is a follow on of the novel and a foray into the comic world for the next chapter. And having read the issue, I went out find the previous works of the character. Having done that I got a greater understanding of Rosemary's motivations and you get the feeling that she is not restrained by the morals that you would see of other demon hunters in that the sacrifice of one to save many doesn't impact her conscious which I found to be a refreshing change from the norm. The story holds up in its own right and you are introduced to a confused girl who has lost her formative years to a coma and is trying to make sense of it all. You get a sense from the narrative that she is a girl who wants to succeed as she wonders if she failed on her previous mission protecting the people of Ireland. She awakes to find she is suffering from amnesia and on getting her memory back, Rosemary turns instant bad ass with her "You've all been very naughty" line and releasing her to do what she knows. It was a very well written scene and it made the book storywise for me. The groundwork laid by Coffey here bodes well if there are any plans to continue the story in comic form.
It is very possible that audiences in the US are going to know the name Barry McGowan somewhere down the road as his art is simply astounding. In parts I was wondering if he was influenced by Drew Friedman or David Mack as their styles can be seen in part in the story. But make no mistake, Mcgowan knocks it out of the park on this book. His sepia sequences are just eye boglingly beautiful and the locations used in the story like Newgrange and Temple Bar all drawn as they actually look. This is a guy that you should see more of in the future as it would be a crime if you don't.
Although knowledge of the back-story would enhance your enjoyment a very comprehensive recap page is at the start of the book is there so you can jump straight in. The promise is there for the series to continue, as there could be a wealth of material to be told now that the character is gone in this direction. I urge people to go pick it up if they can find it and just delve yourself in and enjoy a great book.
Rating the Issue
Story: Overall 7.66 |
Storytelling - 9 out of 10 |
Take A Look Inside
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Reviewer Bio
Name: David O' Leary
email: idwfan@yahoo.co.uk
Been reading comics: for about 12 years now.
Review Bio: I am a 26-year-old Hotel Manager from the west coast of the Republic of Ireland and think this is a great way to talk to others about this cool medium. I am a husband to one wife and father to one girl (so far).
Favorites: ONI's Whiteout, Vertigo's Scalped and Garth Ennis Preacher and Punisher in Trades. In comic form I am reading a lot of Marvel and a bit of IDW, Dark Horse & WildStorm among others.
Website: Sorry, I don't have one!
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