Advance Review: Gun Honey #1 (of 4)

In the grand tradition of strong women living an ultra violent lifestyle, Titan Comics imprint Hard Case Crime drops a new mini series with a new gun tootin’ anti heroine. Step up Jennifer Tan, a Gun Honey.

Joanna has the unique ability to smuggle in guns to the exact point where they are needed. Of course being drop dead gorgeous certainly doesn’t hinder her getting in all the places that she wants or needs to go. Using her very feminine wiles, as well as clever gun part hiding places, Joanna has a very “specific set of skills”. Those don’t help her avoid further legal entanglements.

The book is written by Hard Case Crime co-founder Charles Ardai who delivers a hard boiled, noir filled tale that utilises a wide range of influences, that may seem standard in this sort of arena. However, as with books like Jennifer Blood and Lady Killers, there is a charm to proceedings. Granted, the obvious sexiness of Joanna, be it in a bikini or leather cat suit, will no doubt attract a lot fo attention; for me the dialogue is whip smart, on point and thoroughly enjoyable. With only four issues to play with, Ardai keeps things pacy.

The art is provided by Ang Hor Kheng, whose art I haven’t seen before. At first glance, I love the art! At second glance, I still loved the art. Kheng’s art reminds me of a little of Michael Gaydos with touches of Paul Gulacy thrown in for good measure. Kheng uses strong lines to draw the various body shapes on show. As attractive as Joanna is, Kheng ensures that she is shown in a realistic form; this also gos fro a range of characters throughout the book. Kheng is ably aided by colourist Asifur Rahman who gives the book a mix of schemes from bold sun kissed environs to the darkness more than night of clandestine operations. Letterer David Leach delivers a trim type of font, that doesn’t impact the art, but also doesn’t seem to fill out the word balloons. Maybe, smaller balloons would be a benefit. Finally, there are a range of covers to choose from; for me, pretty much as always, it’s buyers choice,

A great read, with a fantastic lead character, written in a way that engenders a sexy, violent and fun book.

Writing – 5 Stars

Art – 5 Stars

Colors – 5 Stars

Overall – 5 Stars

Written by; Charles Ardai
Art by; Ang Hor Kheng
Colors by; Asifur Rahman
Letters by; David Leach
Published by; Titan Comics / Hard Case Crime

Gun Honey #1 is due to ship on 29th September

Author Profile

Johnny "The Machine" Hughes

I am a long time comic book fan, being first introduced to Batman in the mid to late 70's. This led to a appreciation of classic artists like Neal Adams and Jim Aparo. Moving through the decades that followed, I have a working knowledge of a huge raft of characters with a fondness for old school characters like JSA and The Shadow

Currently reading a slew of Bat Books, enjoying a mini Marvel revival, and the host of The Definative Crusade and Outside the Panels whilst also appearing on No-Prize Podcast on the Undercover Capes Podcast Network