Writer- Mark Millar

Artist- Rafael Albuquerque

 

Huck is the newest series conjured up by Hollywood approved comic scribe Mark Millar. After finishing the first issue, I was immediately informed on the letters page that this story was already purchased by a studio and in development. Millar has had success translating his comics work into film before, with movies such as Kick-Ass and Kingsmen: The Secret Service, so it comes as no surprise that this new series is headed to the silver screen. So, does the first act of Huck make me think that this could be a successful film, let alone comic series?

The answer is yes. This first issue is as standard first issue as you can get, as it is all set up, and foreshadows the sweet tone established in setting and character is not going to last long. Huck is a simple man, living in an ordinary town. Except he is not simple in any manner other than his demeanor. Huck can do things. Special things that most folks can’t. He is shown to have what at the least can be described as superpowers of a sort, enhanced strength and endurance, although it appears he has to fly commercial. Huck uses his powers in town, helping people out by mowing lawns, finding missing jewelry, taking out the entire town’s garbage. One of the best sequences was surrounding how he decides what acts of kindness to do on each day. The townspeople keep Huck a secret, out of a sense of respect for him and what he does. As a baby, he was abandoned in a bassinet with a simple note of instruction to “Please Love Him”, and the townspeople do. The turn in the story occurs when Huck sees an atrocity on the news and decides to use his powers for a greater good. The ending of this issue point towards a happy place being turned upside down, and Huck’s secret coming to light.

Millar writes small town America in the most basic Hollywood template, where everyone knows everyone and that fits this story just fine. If the plot takes the turn predicted, the ruination of a wholesome place by outside forces will be the backbone of this series. Millar only uses top-tier artists on his Millarworld projects, and in this case it is Rafael Albuquerque of American Vampire fame. Albuquerque puts on a show here with his art, but more importantly then the excellence of his technique is his ability of storytelling. The panel where Huck sees the newscast that spurs him into action is fantastic because you can read the characters emotions on his face, like a curious child worried he may get into trouble for doing something. Colorist Dave McCaig complements perfectly, using greens and earth tones particularly well, and using shadow to great effect. I judge books on writing over art generally, but Albuquerque puts on a show here that would support a weaker script on its own merits. Luckily Millar didn’t phone this in either.

Will Huck, possibly starring Chris Hemsworth be a summertime blockbuster in a few years? That I don’t know. What I do know is I’m looking forward to seeing where Millar takes this story, as the tone this story began with, that of warmth, neighborliness and kindheartedness cannot be sustained by the guy who brought us Hit-Girl, could it? I doubt it, and that’s what makes for a good comic book.

 

5 Hucks of 5