A Righteous Thirst for Vengeance – 2021-2022 (Image Comics) – Action, Crime, Thriller
Author: Rick Remender
Art: André Lima Araújo
Series Contents: A Righteous Thirst for Vengeance #1-11
A blazingly fast action-movie type script leads A Righteous Thirst for Vengeance down a wild and winding path. The tale barely gives you a moment to think or breathe, which fits the plot absolutely perfectly. It is a quick read which can be knocked out in one session, or savored if somehow taken slowly.
Story:
Beginning in Vancouver, B.C., a cigarette smoking Chinese-Canadian rumbles his way from the convenience store to the bus, getting off only to refresh his soaked through pack. On the way into the store, he bumps into a man accidentally knocking his bag of stuff to the floor. He apologizes and helps clean up and get the man on his way.
This man finds his way back to the bus again, back to his journey. Where is he going? We are not sure yet, but our main character checks his phone on the bus, showing a journey far north of the city limits, in a remote wooded area. Additionally, something about an accuser disappearing related to a sex trafficking case. Our man looks unhappy and determined.
He finally gets to his destination, looking for someone, to do something. Unfortunately for our main character, he finds the very nice home unlocked, and the inhabitants inside in less than brand new condition.
What begins here is a heart-pounding action tale involving the dark web, contract killers, innocent victims, choices and consequences. The issues all zoom along, and the tale does cover a good set of ground despite only offering 11 issues. It does not feel rushed; however, the reader will find themselves wanting to zoom through the tale and find resolution.
As plot points reveal themselves, and the story takes drastic turns, it never loses steam nor cohesion. There is a strong level of action creativity as well, with good running dialogue and smart scene set-ups. The story itself moves at breakneck speed even when shifting gears. The frenetic pacing often matches the urgency of the action on the pages, and is a total blast to watch unfold.
The characters and their respective motivations and behaviors all ring as fairly genuine, and it’s an easy world to slip into and ride along in for a while.
Art:
As is often the case, the art totally fits the story. It is expertly crafted, and gorgeous to look at (or disgusting at times, due to how well done the violence is). Characters are detailed and features are wonderful with everyone easily recognizable. Backgrounds are extremely detailed and the action scenes whip with motion and fury.
There’s so much to look at and enjoy that it does make you want to slow down the story a bit and let your eyes feast, or look for minor details.
Reasons to Read:
Fans of action stories or dark crime thrillers will absolutely love this tale. This comic is also primed to become a movie at some point, as it’s short tale would fit the runtime very well. The writing here is sharp and the story is both interesting and tense. There is a lot to enjoy here for fans of quick-paced action adventure, especially with the excellent art.
Similar Titles:
Criminal; Kill or Be Killed; Deadly Class; Death or Glory; 100 Bullets; Nailbiter; Punisher Max; Kali