In the wake of the JFK assassination, the US is on edge and C.O.W.L. wants to reassure the world that it’s all okay, assuming they can get out of their own way. Your Major Spoilers review of C.O.W.L. 1964 #1, awaits!
C.O.W.L. 1964 #1
Writers: Kyle Higgins and Alec Siegel
Artist: Rod Reis
Letterer: Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou
Editor: Michael Busuttil
Publisher: Image Comics
Cover Price: $3.99
Release Date: August 7th, 2024
Previously in C.O.W.L. 1964: Starting in post-war era Chicago, C.O.W.L. is a labor union representing costumed crime fighters, led by Geoffrey Warner. Since its inception, it has gone through its ups and downs and roster changes, not to mention its fair share of dirty dealings.
GOING NATIONAL
C.O.W.L. 1964 #1 opens with Geoffrey at home with his wife, getting ready for the day. He then goes and meets with the mayor of Chicago, where he tells him his plans for taking C.O.W.L. national. In a plane, Kathryn, and Karl, also known as Radia and Eclipse, discuss why they think Geoffrey has called for them. After landing, the two are given a tour of the C.O.W.L. headquarters before speaking with Geoffrey. He explains that even though the two moved to New York, with C.O.W.L. going national, they would have to register with them anyway, or they could take their jobs back and get a salary instead. Later, the supervillain known as Skylancer holds up a swanky rooftop restaurant. He is pursued by a trio of superheroes but is able to dispatch them. Once home, he’s visited by Karl, and the two catch up. Across town, Kathryn makes a deal with Geoffrey.
COMIC BOOK DRAMA AT ITS FINEST
The word “deconstruction” gets thrown around a lot in comics these days, and it is usually just shorthand for “man, the life of a superhero sure is complicated,” which makes it hard to tell when something is actually being deconstructed and when it’s just par for the course in modern comics. C.O.W.L. has always managed to set itself apart from the crowd though by mapping its take on the complicated life of superheroes onto the murky history and politics surrounding labor unions of the past. C.O.W.L. 1964 #1 picks up that approach and runs with it superbly. All the smooth-talking by Geoffrey, the dealmaking by Kathryn, the anger from Karl, and all their little secrets blend together into an intricate story that feels earned rather than artificially plumped with inexplicable character flaws or choices. The pacing is on point here, the state of the world, the relationship between all these characters, the stakes, and the looming complications are all given to the reader in fluid and natural means. Now, this is a dialog-heavy issue, so expect some big word balloons, but they don’t feel clunky or worded strangely just to slip in a piece of info, so they don’t become intrusive. Is this a perfect jumping-on point for C.O.W.L.? No, but it does have a helpful primer at the beginning of the issue that will at least bring new readers up to speed with some of the major events from the past issues so they won’t be lost, but some of the character interactions will lack some context without having read the older series.
COULDN’T IMAGINE THIS ISSUE LOOKING ANY DIFFERENT
Every once in a while, you come across a comic that has an art style that fits it so perfectly that it’s hard to envision it being done by any other team of artists. C.O.W.L. 1964 #1, is one of those comics. There’s a hand-painted look here that gives the art in this an Edward Hopper feel. Plus, the use of bright colors, with characters often in strong positions in the panels, plays into the union motif by making this issue feel like a multi-page vintage union poster. Also, some attention should be given to the lettering. Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou does a great job of varying the letters in small and subtle ways where there is no confusion about the tone and voice the characters have, without them coming across as monotone.
BOTTOM LINE: A TRIUMPHANT RETURN
C.O.W.L. 1964 #1 expertly combines history, period drama, and a strong analogy into a story that will feel familiar to many but then combines it with classic comic book action to create something layered and unique. The gorgeous art is more than just the cherry on top, careful decisions and stylings help drive home the themes and set the stage in a way that the best comic book art does. 5 out of 5 stars.
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C.O.W.L. 1964 #1
C.O.W.L. 1964 #1, marks an exceptional return to a series that has been out of the spotlight for too long. It brings together politics, complex characters, and exciting superhero action in a way that has depth, while not feeling heavy or pretentious.
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Writing10
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Art10
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Coloring10
At a young age, Jonathan was dragged to a small town in Wisconsin. A small town in Wisconsin that just so happened to have a comic book shop. Faced with a decision to either spend the humid summers and bitter winters traipsing through the pine trees or in climate controlled comfort with tales of adventure, horror, and romance, he chose the latter. Jonathan can often be found playing video games, board games, reading comics and wincing as his “to watch” list grows wildly out of control.