A new release from the Hachette Book Group, Method Man is based on a concept by the artist of the same. It is written by David Atchison and illustrated by Sanford Greene. The story has a distinct look and style to it, allowing it to stand out from from most comics on the market.
The Plot
Method Man follows the story of Peerless Poe, a private detective and one of many descendants of Cain, the first murderer in the Judeo-Christian Bible. He was once a member of a group which practiced “The Method,” a fighting style that utilized a rage like state passed down to them by their ancestor, Cain. He rejected their precepts - most notably, their vow of celibacy - but took odd jobs that allowed them to continue the group’s quest for redemption: hunting down the monster children of Lilith, the first woman made by God, who rejected Adam after thinking herself superior.
The story moves fast and introduces characters at a break neck speed. It fits the pacing of the art, however, as well as the hip hop/rap culture that the idea sprung from.
The Art
The art is composed as if it was speed drawn, but the shading and the final line work is sharp and distinct. It’s an active, moving art style, perfectly suited for straightforward action over contemplative storytelling. This fits in perfectly for the overall story, as it emphasizes moving through the story rather than dwelling on it. The only thing that would have helped is making it in color as certain frames blended together, and sometimes the characters melded in with the background.
The character designs were fun to watch, as Peerless’ outfit is a classically street style hoodie, whereas the majority of the other characters are garbed in the classically fantasy based armor. The overall look is mystical yet urban, which is a rather unique look.
Final Word
Method Man has demon fights, a war with heaven, and larger than life exploits. It’s a fun read, a fast read, and that’s all it needs to be. The only weak point is that its religious subject material is glossed over in footnotes, rather than taken advantage of, but some stories aren’t meant to shoot for that kind of depth. Parents should be warned about sexual overtones and implied drug use, so don’t hand it to a kid not in high school. Other than that, “Method Man” is a fun story, plain and simple.
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