Comics Review: "Effigy" #1

- by Ninja Ross, 4 February 2015

The star of "Effigy", former child actress Chondra Jackson, had a successful run in the show “Star Cops,” before she began to fade away into obscurity. In a last ditch attempt to regain her fame, she makes and leaks a sex tape, hoping it would make her relevant again.

#1 cover, Click to enlarge.

That doesn’t work out so well for her, as you’d expect.

Giving up on stardom, Jackson moves back top Effigy Mound (that’s like the title! COINCIDENCE.) and takes a job as a real police officer. This is where the story kicks off, giving us a look at the daily life of Officer Jackson as she writes a parking ticket for a grad student who might have an allergy to parking tickets.

Jackson’s home life isn’t all that great either, thanks to her mother, who is obsessed with returning to the life of fancy Japanese restaurants in L.A, where she can rub shoulders with the likes of Ben Affleck.

So far, it’s a very bland life full of regret. Until Jackson gets a call from her superior officer, requesting her presence at a crime scene.

Full of delight at the idea of visiting her first murder scene and becoming a “real” cop, she heads out to view the scene. The thing is, this scene bears a striking resemblance to a crime featured in Star Cops.

This is "Star Cops".

Things aren’t that simple, however, as the story jumps around to show us other major characters, including a fan girl working as a prostitute and an older gentleman who REALLY hates receiving letters.

It’s not a straight forward detective thriller, as you can see. It’s full of different twists and turns that give us a glimpse at how insane this book could get in future issues.

Since the book is written by Tim Seeley, it’s safe to say that it IS going to get a little bit nuts as the story progresses. With books like "Hack/Slash" and "Revival", Seeley is a writer who very rarely disappoints and this debut issue is a perfect example of that.

Moms, right?!

The first issue is very much about introducing the key characters in the story, but doesn’t seem to linger on any of them quite long enough. For example, we’re briefly introduced to Detective Moore, from Cleveland. All we know about him is that he likes flannel shirts. But what little we do see of him presents him as an interesting character with a cool demeanour.

Who DOESN'T like flannel shirts?

While it is a bit frustrating that we don’t get to learn about these people straight away, Seeley gives away just enough to make everyone seem interesting and fleshed out.

There’s a lot of creativity in this book, weith Seeley going a long way to flesh out the Star Cops universe, as well as the present day world where the main story is set.

Marley Zarcone’s art is a perfect fit for Seeley’s script. During the Star Cops scenes, his art really captures that clean, bright look you’d expect from that kind of TV show. But the rest of the book has a darker atmosphere, helping to create contract between the two worlds.

The art is enhanced by Ryan Hill’s colours, which makes the lighter sections really stand out, but also helps emphasise the darker tones in the book.

While the first issue does feel rushed in places, it’s a gorgeous book that is definitely worth your time. I suggest you drop whatever it is you’re doing right now and go pick up a copy before you regret it and end up crying yourself to sleep at night.

 
What do you think of Vertigo's latest title? Was this a good #1? Tell us in the comments, maybe?

Tagged: comics, Reviews.

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