Review: Last of the Independents HC
What is it that makes bank heists such a mine for storytelling? I mean, every cop show has at least one per season, there are a swathe of films that cover this trope and invariably, they always go wrong at some point. (The exception here is probably the heist at the beginning of The Dark Knight). Is it the immediate risk and danger, is it the getaway or is it the chance that the robbers will get away with it? All these things and more all coalesce in Last of the Independents as it gets the hardcover treatment for this re-issue.
Cole, Justine and Billy are out to rob a bank. Now, there is a touch of realism to their plan; they only want to take enough to make just enough of a difference, just enough maybe for a fresh start, or a trip to Planet World! Who could really begrudge them their moment of success? Well, when they bite off more than they can chew its not just the cops that are after them, but also the robbers as Cole and his gang have stolen from the Mob!
After spending a lot of time at Marvel, with his biggest success arguably being Hawkeye, Matt Fraction has made a quite a name for himself. But way back in 2003, he was (and still is), writing his own projects for the Indie market. Here, in this book, there are nuances and touches from a variety of influences, which show a clear love for the sub-genre, that make a recognisable whole. On top of those is a genuine relationship between the three leads. Cole is clearly the wise lead, Justine is more than capable of looking after herself and Billy, well Billy thinks of puppies! Between them, their flaws are the scars with which they live and drive them forward as a unified team, built on genuine care and affection. There is a sadness to Cole that is offset by Billy’s exuberance. Cole and Justine have a shared space in which they each find something to buoy themselves in each other. The dialogue has gritty terseness to it that resonates well with the heist motif. Finally, there is a touch of absurdity to it that lightens the mood despite its violence.
The art is provided by Kieron Dwyer with a style that, at times, looks more sketch book than comic book. In many ways, the simple but hugely effective art reminds me of the 60’s. I was utterly charmed from the first page. Cole has an old man Bruce kind of feel which seems to exude confidence. The quiet moments of doubt and age are superbly captured by Dwyer adding genuine emotion. Being essentially a black and white book on coloured paper, Dwyer adds touches of yellow of white accents that add depth to the art. You could say that they are touches of caricature in places; but this is a homage to many a Mafiosa. At times, the panel layout could maybe be a tad simpler in places, but this is a minor quibble as overall the art has a cinematic quality.
For fans of Fraction who may not have seen some of his early work, this is a must have. Coupled with Dwyer’s nuanced, sketched style art, Last of the Independents is as much a classic now as it was back in 2003!
Writing – 5 Stars
Art – 5 Stars
Overall – 5 Stars
Written by; Matt Fraction
Art by; Kieron Dwyer
Published by; Image Comics
Author Profile
- 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
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