CODEBREAKERS #1

Writers: Carey Malloy, Ross Richie

Artwork: Scott Godlewski

Publisher: Boom! Studios

Greg's Review:

        Codebreakers is a mini-series and as such (for just a 4-issue run) the story should start a lot quicker, rather than spending most of the issue introducing us to the main characters). Having said that, I did, nonetheless, find Codebreakers # 1 to be a good read. [But then again, I like French movies that many people use as a cure for insomnia!]

        The characters in “Codebreakers” are a 4-person team of 3 male FBI Agents and 1 female (on secondment from another government department) working for a special unit within the FBI, called the CRRU [Cryptanalysis and Racketeering Records Unit]. Their main objective seems to be the cracking of codes used by criminals to hid their activities, money, etc. Their main targets seem to be Drug-related organised crime syndicates, and, here, one specifically: The Provenzano Family.

        Would you believe it: there’s not a superhero in sight? What are comics coming to?

        At the end of this issue, we learn that one of the main characters has been kidnapped and is being forced to break a code for what appears to be some evil organization. Threats of bodily harm leave us concerned for the young agent involved.

        A good storyteller would have had this kidnapping occurring earlier in the plot and then given us more of the storyline. A 7-page intro to “Codebreakers” had been incorporated into a number of Boom Studio’s other publications. These 7-pages could have been to the point of the kidnapping and incorporate the last page of issue 1; as such it may have got more people interested in this comic. Then again, like me, many may have jumped on board anyway. Still … storytelling should be, Carey, the best it can be. Refer to almost anything by Warren Ellis to see what I mean!

        The art is substantial. Scott is very professional and his technique for indicating flashback is extremely effecting in maintaining clarity within the storyline. And I particularly love his use of point-of-view to heighten the drama of the moment. The opening page is excellent, as is the last page, particularly the last panel. Page 15, with the four flashbacks is a little gem of storytelling – the old classic “show, don’t tell”.

        There is one inconsistency between art and writing: the discussion of Stan’s desk being a “masterpiece of chaos” on page 15 doesn’t tie in with the imagery on pages 9 & 10 of his work desk, which appears to be pretty-much free of “chaos”. A minor quibble, but imagery I would love to have seen!

        The cover art for issue 1B, by Brett Weldele, is truly a delight, with the combination of different art techniques coming together well to almost tell the story in one panel. I’m exaggerating, of course, but you get my drift, don’t you? The cover art for issue 1A is by Julian Totino Tedesco, and I can’t pass judgement on it as I’ve only seen the miniaturised image in the back of the comic.

Story: ***½ (out of 5)

Artwork: **** (out of 5)

Concept: ****½ (out of 5)

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