(Courtesy of BOOM! Studios)
With the first six issues now in hardcover, Grass Kings Volume 1 (BOOM! Studios) has the most intriguing characters in a crime-driven story filled with twists and turns. With its compelling social commentary, the Grass Kings series captures a rural setting living on the fringes of society.
In the tragic lives of the Grass Kings, there are three brothers and rulers of a trailer park kingdom. In a fiefdom of the hopeless and lost, Eldest brother Robert leads a grief-stricken life, having lost his daughter to a tragic accident, followed by his wife disappearing one morning never to return. When an enigmatic young woman named Maria flees to their community in search of safe haven, Robert takes her in, but will his decision lead to ruin and retribution dooming the Kingdom?
Here are 5 reasons why you should get Grass Kings Vol.1:
5) An Interesting Rural Mystery!
Big Grass Kings collection is out in stores tomorrow! Brilliant production by our friends @boomstudios and all involved! pic.twitter.com/GxtAowY8Ns
— Matt Kindt (@mattkindt) February 13, 2018
Writer Matt Kindt uses the setting to evoke a crime drama filled with tragedy and action. Kindt’s writing reminds of Elmore Leonard but with a twist. Leonard looks at criminal underbelly, usually mocking their high school level of intelligence for satirical edge. The difference here, Kindt’s understanding of his rural characters drives the emotional turmoil.
4) A Tragic Figure!
Kinda develops his eldest brother Robert with such heart and redemption. Because of one stupid mistake, Robert lost his daughter and his life his fallen apart due to his stubbornness. Robert wants to redeem himself but Maria adds to his self-destructiveness.
3) The Artwork!
It’s oversized! A super beautiful collection. Here is the size comparison to a standard floppy. pic.twitter.com/4ar8OVDsPy
— Hilary Jenkins (@Hilzjenkins) February 13, 2018
Artist Tyler Jenkins beautifully tells the narrative with a watercolor-ish style. In three panels, Jenkins captures Robert sitting in his chair, staying in one spot throughout the day. The colors change to tell the reader what time during the day it is.
2) It’s About The Economy!
In his wide shots, Jenkins captures the rural setting with epic primary tones. You can tell the landscape is wonderful to look at but economically, the people are struggling.
1)A Must Read!
Congratulations to the whole team on a fantastic first volume of GRASS KINGS! https://t.co/k1zBLryQsL
— BOOM! Studios (@boomstudios) February 13, 2018
In its first volume, Grass Kings manages to capture its characters and its own world so vibrantly. The pages inside have such a great artistic style and the dialogue highlights the emotional intensity.
The hardcover version of Grass Kings Vol.1 is available on February 14th, 2018.
– By Jorge Solis