REVIEW: KURT SUTTER'S SISTERS OF SORROW #1

When one of their own is killed by her ex-husband, the founders of a shelter for survivors of domestic abuse decide to take matters into their own hands, and dish out vengeance on their attackers. So begins SISTERS OF SORROW, the first original comic from SONS OF ANARCHY creator Kurt Sutter.

It’s a strong concept and we’re thrown into the action right from the beginning. The surviving “sisters”“ kill the attacking ex and with the help of sister Greta’s brother Eli they cover up the crime. The next day they’re questioned by police and all involved deal with the trauma differently. Sister Dominique has the most confrontational personality and we learn her own family trauma is tied up with members of the police force. Her ex husband, a LAPD officer and son of a LAPD captain is subsequently acquitted of manslaughter charges in the deaths of their two daughters. Throughout this first issue we don’t learn a lot about these “sisters”“ but we do know they’re all united by a sense of loss. They’ve all had children killed by men who have served no prison time. Together they decide to make their own justice and avenge their slain children.

It’s a good origin story that’s a little weak on characterization. Nothing really separates the sisters beyond the superficial, at this point. The story plays out in Sutter’s distinctive style of decompressed action and story flow countered with quick scenes of brutal violence. It’s a style that worked successfully in SONS OF ANARCHY and I’m looking forward to seeing where it’s all going and getting to know these characters in far greater detail.

Artist Hyeonjin Kim has a firm grasp of layout and design and the storytelling is strong from page to page, but the character design seems a little off. The manga styled “Big Eye”“ look doesn’t really suit a story with this type of subject matter and mood. I found it distracting.
But overall this is a stand up book, and if you’re a fan of Sutter, it’s a must-read.

STORY- 4/5
ART- 4/5

[yasr_overall_rating size=”large”]

KURT SUTTER’S SISTERS OF SORROW #1- BOOM! STUDIOS
STORY- KURT SUTTER/COURTNEY ALAMEDA
ART- HYEONJIN KIM
Review by J.P. Harvey