Comic book reviews for Fatale #1, Fatale #2, and Fatale #3 by Ed Brubaker and Sean Phillips
Average rating: 3/5 stars
Fatale #1 by Ed Brubaker
Art: Sean Phillips
I don’t know about this title. Usually, I’m a big fan of Brubaker; though I often read his comics in trade, not single issue. His stories generally work better that way. So I may end up opting to just pick this up then rather than now.
Fatale didn’t impress me in the way I wanted it. First, I did not expect the narration to be by Nicolas Lash and then Dominic “Hank” Raines. I suppose if it was from Jo’s point-of-view then we’d know everything too soon. She’d be less of a mystery, and this would be less of a noir.
Still, I was hoping for a woman’s point-of-view.
I’m enjoying the supernatural elements in this story. Jo’s long life and her seemingly otherworldly powers are intriguing. Though I’m not really digging that her story seems to revolve around men who were/are/want to be her lovers.
Phillips’ art isn’t completely pulling me in. In the scene where Dominic’s in his kitchen, it’s totally the same ’50s kitchen that’s in Don and Betty Draper’s house on Mad Men. Identical.
I’m going to give Fatale a few more issues before I make my decision.
Fatale #2 by Ed Brubaker
Art: Sean Phillips
This story continually disappoints me because while the story’s about Josephine, nothing is from her point-of-view. And moreover, nothing in this story is giving her the right kind of agency. Except maybe the first issue in the future. It’s not really helping that I don’t care about the other characters. Nor has the story given me a reason that I should be interested in them beyond their connections to Josephine.
I’m not caring about the mobster. Even when their teeth are exposed. And I’m sad that the only other woman — who also happens to be pregnant — is going to be a victim. Joy.
I do think having an occult-based mystery is great for the setting. I thought so in the volume of Madame Xanadu when they did the same thing in the era. But I don’t think I’m going to be able to stick through for the ride.
Fatale #3 by Ed Brubaker
Art: Sean Phillips
I liked this issue a lot more than the ones before. It became more interesting and a bit more coherent. I liked the framework a lot better here too. Brubaker seems to have brought everything together.
Interesting that Nicolas Lash went back to the house. Also that he has a permanent injury from his wreck with Josephine. The perspective of having it all come from Hank’s book, and Brubaker being clear that the reader got the story via Nicolas’ reading of it, adds an interesting layer. Especially since Hank did some altering of the truth. Not to mention, more possibility for unreliable narration.
Not such a fan that Josephine sent Hank into the house first. I suppose it makes sense for the times. But I’m guessing that in addition to be un-aging and immortal that she has other powers too.
Curious that Hank’s wife died while he and Josephine were out. Also interesting that he hid a wife from Nicolas.
Start this journey yourself, buy Fatale vol 1: Death Chases Me