Much like the city it’s based in #SwanSong is beautiful, dangerous and surprising…

Writer: Kevin Hock
Artist: Mike Farruggia
Inks: Mike Farruggia
Colors: Mike Farruggia
Letters: Kevin Hock
Publisher: Handsome Devil Comics

There’s a moment in Kevin Hock and Mike Farruggia’s Swan Song where the book goes from being a good story: a man on his deathbed gets a second chance at life, to a fantastic one. It’s one panel, with a simple phrase: ‘Show me where’ but it turns everything you’ve seen up to that point on its head.

Hock has crafted an intriguing first chapter in a four part series as we meet Brooks Nash; a man with a lot of regrets, and seemingly no time to make up for them until he gets an unexpected visitor. I don’t want to give too much away but suffice to say everything is not as it seems.

However, while the storyline has me hooked what really brings it home is the artwork. As you all know I’m a stickler for artwork in my comics. In my opinion, no matter how good the story is, if the artwork is subpar it can detract drastically from the storyline if not throw you out of it completely. I’m happy to say that is not the case. Farruggia’s artwork is phenomenal. There are no wasted panels. Every background, character and even clothing choices, enhances the story. This is artwork that requires you to really pay attention and that is one of my favorite things in the world. That the story is set in Baltimore and has so many landmarks the only true locals will know makes it even better.

All in all, Swan Song #1 is brilliant and I cannot wait to read what happens next.

Five Helmets out of Five