Unretired is our first indie comics request from Ireland. In Rogue Comics we have a title going through an amusingly awkward phase of its life. When there’s a conspiracy going about, it’s important to laugh at down-to-earth quirks. Because while the characters deserve a little sympathy, you can’t help but laugh at their situations. Which is fine because none of them are too empathetic, despite relatable situations. Um… maybe I should go into appeals now.
Who’s Unretired?
Unretired follows Victor Andrews, a grizzled retired mercenary called into action when his son commits suicide. Not just him but one of his son Michael’s coworkers as well. So Victor is out to find out what’s going on, because he’s got nothing better to do. That and it looks like some military program Victor was a part of strong-armed the team his son was a part of. You know the kind of stuff that’s supposed to change the world until status quo enforcement drops in.
That’s It?
It’s only the first issue and admittedly some of the plot’s disjointed. It’s the writers Ted Elston and Kristan O’Hara’s first time, so of course it’ll feel “virginal”. But the characters more than make up for it. Victor for example resembles that uber stoic ex-soldier who both enjoys and loathes the small things. Haven’t you ever had one of those days? Only he’s not supposed to be a role model, if anything he’s a wrinkly mirror. You know, one of those characters who make you question what you’ve got. Are you (going to be) a semi-self-loathing crusty old coot who gives his underage grandson beer? You know the answer to that question.
Then there’s Victor’s grandson, Jason. The kid’s going through a lot and he’s still 17, that awkward age just before adulthood. You know the kind that has trouble trying expressing himself and tries to set himself straight. From distractions of horny adulthood to trying to make sense of a weird dream. Even his mom doesn’t seem to try and get on some level with him. For better or worse, readers laugh at this stage of their lives. Because frankly it’s funny to look back on what was so hard with your life. Especially since Jason is going to be wrapped up in Victor’s investigations and Victor might be a bigger threat to Jason than the villains.
Who Even Are The Villains
I don’t know some kind of pharma/oil company called Globaco? Honestly that could just be a shell company. Because Victor used to be a part of a super soldier project that a hard-nosed lap dog is doing favors for. Who knows what this could lead to?
Anybody Else?
Honestly these guys are pretty forgettable unlike some side characters like Jimmy. He’s some kind of slacker DJ friend of Jason’s dad Michael. Not to mention Michael’s coworkers. Herb is a pretty well meaning guy from the look of things, with certain um… tastes. I’m not kink shaming, it’s not even the real gross stuff!
Then there’s Ron, a real weeny of a Jason foil. While they watch the same machismo powered TV show, Ron’s the same age as Jason’s father. He also wears a onesie and sold out his friends to settle his gambling debts. Probably because he’s easy to intimidate like how Victor made Ron wet his pant…uh…onesie. Layman’s terms Ron’s a man child. Thankfully Jason is trying to turn his life around. Hopefully Victor won’t be as hard on him.
Unretired Artist
Unretired has a Spawn cover artist doing visuals. But I should warn everybody of jarring changes.
Kevin Keane is arguably the most experienced person in the creative team. Frankly it shows with just his initial art style. It’s simply smooth in its presentations with its character designs and architecture. Not to mention every bombastic action taking place grabs readers attention in spacing and pacing. It’s like they were choreographed to turn every critical part of the brain off. Can’t forget about the simply heightening colors by Cristian Sabarre with layers of shades and blends.
But then this happens.
Apparently time on the grim-and-gritty Spawn franchise influences Keane to change gears. By the second half of the first issue of Unretired, Keane makes the art rougher. It’s to the point where most of the characters have Youngblood’s Disease and there’re less backgrounds. Relax Keane didn’t work for Liefeld. Besides that diva got away from his artistic slip-ups. I guess it fits the tougher and meaner part of the series like the ex-colonel and Victor. But why is Jason getting the treatment? He and other characters just look more appealing when their eyes are visible.
That said there are some good points to this art change. Scenes that take place at night with good panel work really emphasize a mystery element. Just as well when brighter bits throw people out of the suspense with a brightly colored joke. Plus those panels where it looks like somebody didn’t finish roller painting look like good transitions. It’s like a bigger picture is coming into focus.
Unretired Is Up For Renewal
Unretired for a first comic is pretty good despite some potholes. The humor and character work allows for some really good rereading moments. In all too human situations, you can’t help but laugh at the absurdities taking place. They more than cover up a plot hole… wow, it is that good. I forgot there was a plot hole in the first place. Or maybe that’s the presentation to the grim backgrounds complemented with bombastic comedy. Although not many people will be fans of the art change. But this does get 8/10 because this is still really good.
So find this comic where you can like this link here. Thanks for coming to the end and as always remember to look between the panels.