Advance Review: Gun Honey Blood for Blood #1

One of the surprising hits of last year returns with a new run, following the continuing, at least at the start of this issue, the non-adventures of Joanna Tan. For those who are rejoining this book, you pretty much have your expectations set pretty high. For those who are stepping into the shady world of Gun Honey, what the hell are you waiting for? Jump in and get your suit wet!

Following the events and revelations of the last run, Joanna is takin a well -earned rest, leading a life of self-care as any young hot single woman may well do. Of course, the world doesn’t stop turning; a death in Joanna’s style and MO puts her back into the frame. Will Joanna and her not-quite-partner Brock mange to prove her innocence or will this new player remain two or three moves ahead?

Charles Ardai sets the scene from the get go with classic set-up scene, before bringing Joanna in from the cold. In many ways, this book is a lot more complicated read than the first run. There, the table was set with a couple of “twists” that seemed quite obvious. This time around Ardai has to build on the success and in doing so he brings back the flirty banter between Joanna and Brock, themselves playing their own game of cat and mouse over who knows the most. There is something of a parallel as this time around it seems that Joanna is following Brock rather than the other way around. I wonder how long that is going to last.

Returning to the chaotic, sexy, action packed world of Joanna is artist Ang Hor Kheng who continues to dazzle with his cinematic storytelling style. Whilst some poses, action or otherwise, do seem a tad forced in places, other including facial elements are top notch. Indeed, Kheng revels in showing Joanna’s cheeky side, in more ways than one. Colors are supplied by Asifur Rahman who delivers a dark style which even pervades the holiday destination of Malaysia. David Leech’s letters work in a minimalistic way, allowing the art to do the main lifting. With no cover credits, Hard Case Crime via Titan Comics are at least treating all creators equally. There are a number of covers to choose from, they are all good, so its buyers choice.

I loved the first run of this book. Sex, violence, noir colouring with charm are certainly a heady mix, so I am very pleased that all involved are back to continue the story of the sultry, siren of Gun Honey!

Gun Honey Blood for Blood #1 is due to ship 24th August.

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 Leech
Published by Hard Case Crime / Titan Comics

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