Blog

Foster Broussard: Demons of the Gold Rush #1
Publisher: Red 5 Comics
Writer: David Ziebart
Artist: Dan Glasl
Cover: Dan Glasl

“Demons of the Gold Rush Part 1”: I don’t know what it is about the California Gold Rush that intrigues me so much, ever since I learned about it in the fourth grade and had to read By The Great Horn Spoon! I think it’s because it combines all the things that make for an awesome adventure. Gold, outlaws, urban myths and legends, sunny California, and the fading hopes for better prospects that everyone can relate to.

This is what Foster Broussard: Demons of the Gold Rush sets its sights on. Modern comic storytelling combined with the fun adventures of the gold rush.

Although FB:DotGR is a novelty in the sense that it’s the only comic that I can recall which features the California Gold Rush, it definitely follows some familiar terrain. The biggest example, is Foster Broussard, the thief. Everyone knows the thief, whether he (or she) is a thief, pirate, bounty hunter, or any other assortment of misfit. It’s the guy who’s hated by authority, always gets into trouble but charms his way out of it, and is never without a joke or two. The comic also employs a number of tropes, such as the Native American omen that you should pay attention to, or Foster Broussard going for the girl that we know is going to throw a drink in his face. Fortunately, they’re used for the betterment of the story, rather than coming off as trite.

As far as the artwork goes, there wasn’t anything too impressive about it. But with that being said, there wasn’t really anything unimpressive about it either. Which is to say that Dan Glasl (pencils), Amber Gant (inks), and Adam Guzowski (colors) did a fine job with it. As separate elements, the artwork is decent, but combined, it’s pretty good.

Also, kudos to Troy Peteri, who does a different font for the lettering that somehow works well.

Last but certainly not least is writer David Ziebart, who does a great job with the dialog and characters. Keeping it humorous, but without it being cheesy or over the top.

In a lot of ways, this comic is a lot like a Jerry Bruckheimer film. And before anyone starts running for the hills, I’m talking about back before Bruckheimer’s recent slump. Films like Pirates of the Caribbean: Curse of the Black Pearl, Con Air, or Bad Boys. Foster Broussard: Demons of the Gold Rush is a fun ride that’s pretty entertaining and picks an era in which adventure, fortune, and excitement were abounding.

Editor’s Note: ComicAttack.net has been officially nominated for an Eagle Award! Please click here to vote for us in the “Favorite Comic Book Website” category (question #27). Thank you for your continued support!

Andrew Hudson
ahudson@comicattack.net
@Hudsonian