The Goddamned #3
Jason Aaron, r.m. Guera, Giulia Brusco, Jared K. Fletcher
Image $3.99
The Goddamned is a great comic to review because every issue offers something worth examining. After the first 2 issues, both which I’ve enjoyed thoroughly, I was afraid that Kain and Aga were going to go down the cliche route of Savior and Damsel. While some of that still rings true, issue 3 shows some much needed development for both characters, as Jason Aaron and r.m. Guera do some much need character growth in this issue.
While the man who invented murder (again, such a fantastic title) is a fun lead, Kain hasn’t been one we the reader could get behind. It risked the character being a bit 2 dimensional, but this issue steers away from that by looking us several glimpses at Kain’s past. The flashback involving his parents (Adam and Eve in case your Biblical knowledge is rusty or lacking) is great for fleshing out the character, given us a much needed moment of humor and allowing Guera to draw something pleasant for a minute. Eden under r.m and 
colorist Giulia Brusco is gorgeous and by giving us a quick look at paradise, it shows up how far the world has fallen.
And while it may be hard to look at, the look and design of the world of The Goddamned is gorgeous in it’s own twisted way. I’ve compared it to those old timey Prince Valiant/ Sunday Comics strips, but I’m seeing some Dr. Seuss influence in this month’s issue when it comes to the designs of the newly introduced Night Raiders. Maybe it’s a combination of the exaggerated faces with the bright colors of their eyes, but I’m reminded of the ol’ Chuck Jones “Horton Hears a Who!” TV special. Yes, I’m ancient, this has been established. Either way, I love the look of this book, from it’s malformed characters, to detail backgrounds to “exotic” wildlife. Guera and Brusco deserve like 20 Eisners for the art in this book.
Going back to Jason Aaron, I like how restrained he is in this issue. For the most part, he lets the spectacular art tell the story, which is a smart move given the quality. It also makes the dialogue feel all the more important, not to mention informative. There’s a lot of cool bait and switching in this issue, rarely for the greater good, and I dig the hell out of it. Also I love the choice of fonts Jared K. Fletcher uses for the dialogue, which really feel primitive and biblical, for a better lack of proper adjective.
The Goddamned is definitely the most brutal and old school Vertigo-feeling comic out on the shelves today. Issue 3 is a reminder of how this creative first took off, and as a reader, I couldn’t be any more thrilled to have it. The final pages tease at something very interesting, and I’m curious to see how it all plays out given the type of person Kain is. The Goddamned is a comic that I didn’t really mind being a month or so late, because every issue has been a epic in itself.
