All Nighter #1
Publisher: Image Comics
Writer & Artist: David Hahn
Release date: June 22, 2011
As a superhero comic fan, sometimes I just need a break from all the Bams & Pows. What better place to do that than an all-night diner? Eisner-nominated creator David Hahn invites us into the world of Kit Bradley, a young woman who is trying hard to make some changes in her life. She’s got a loser for a boyfriend, some questionable roommates, and some really empty pockets. Luckily, she can find some solace in the booth at the All Nighter.
All Nighter #1 reminds us that real life can be just as exciting and dramatic as any other genre of comic book. The reader is immediately drawn to Kit and her cast of friends, family, and antagonists. We’ve all been down on our luck, which makes us make poor choices. Especially in her relationship with Dwayne, her “kinda” boyfriend, Hahn displays the complexity of romantic relationships. What also makes Kit so interesting is that there is mystery that surrounds her. The second sentence of the story is dropped on the reader, then not mentioned again, which creates a fantastic sense of intrigue into who Kit really is and what kinds of trouble she has been in. The story even ends with a cliffhanger of sorts, too, which is really fun and surprising.
Hahn is a gifted cartoonist, and his line work, especially being black-and-white, is really on display here. If you like that “animated” style of folks like Bruce Timm and Darwyn Cooke, David Hahn’s dynamic figures, expressive faces, and excellent panel-to-panel storytelling will be right up your alley.
But what makes this book even more awesome is that David Hahn has put up the ENTIRE FIRST ISSUE FOR FREE on his site davidhahnart.com. If you haven’t already clicked on that link to read it and are still reading what I have to say about it, you must have too much time on your hands. Even though this book comes out on June 22, you can read it now, talk it up to your friends, and then get it and enjoy it again when you buy it.
Not only has David Hahn treated comic fans with a full preview of this really cool book, but most of all, he’s treated us with a book that is fun, full of drama, and excellent on the eyes.
Jeff Jackson
jeff@comicattack.net
Good review Jeff!