Moonshine is published by Image comics. It is written by Brian Azzarello (100 Bullets, Wonder Woman, The Dark Knight III: The Master Race) with art by Eduardo Risso (100 Bullets, Before Watchmen).
Alright, so. I was super pumped to read this comic because it takes place in West Virginia. I was born in and spent the majority of my life in West Virginia. So of course, when I heard there was a comic set during the prohibition era and would be taking place there, I immediately jumped on it. It is legal in most states to make moonshine, but there are several federal and state laws surrounding it, so it still isn't exactly common. However, I can say that if you're from a place like WV, you know where to find moonshine.
Anyway, on to the actual plot!
Moonshine and hillbillies and...werewolves? Oh, my!
“Moonshine” follows a city-slick named Lou Pirlo, who was sent by his boss in New York to negotiate a deal with the best moonshiner in West Virginia. The people may not seem too smart and Lou thinks he's going to make an easy deal, but there's more to these mountain folk than meets the eye. They have a secret to protect, and it's not just the moonshine, it's a family matter. A “pack” matter, if you will *hint hint* - get it? Lou is stepping into something supernatural and nobody is going to find you if you're lost in the mountains.
Pros:
I loved this issue. Hands down. Absolutely loved it. Some people may find the way the characters talk and dress as offensive to southerners, but here's the thing, that's what it was like. The stereotypes come from things that actually happened. Young boys wearing overalls with no shirt, women and men alike missing teeth, the thick, almost intelligible southern drawl. It's all very appropriate for the time and place. But just because the people may look or sound dumb to Lou, Azzarello does a great job of letting the reader know these people are much smarter than they look (well, not all of them). I loved the art style, it feels very old school. The way the characters are drawn, but more so, the colors are like watching an old-timey movie. There's enough violence and weird happenings to keep you on your toes, but not so much that it's just all about the gore. I feel like you have a good feel for all the characters you're supposed to at this point. Even ones who haven't said a lot, you still get information from them just by their expressions.
Cons:
I want to see the werewolves! Also, being from West Virginia, I'm now super bummed I'm not also a hillbilly werewolf. There are a lot of things we see that imply werewolves, but we don't actually get to see one in this issue. Which is really only a bad thing if you're like me and werewolves are your favorite mythical creature.
Overall Score: 10 / 10
While I'm disappointed, I'm not going to dock any points for lack of werewolf, I came close, though! But basically, this issue was perfect. I have no real complaints and I'll be impatiently waiting for issue 2.
Make sure to stop by your local comic store and pick up a copy! I have a feeling this one is going to go fast.
