Copperhead Vol. 1by Sheena McNeilReviews may contain information that could be considered 'spoilers'. Readers should proceed at their own risk. Publisher
Credits Grade: 9 Sheriff Bronson and her son, Zeke, arrive at their new home, a mining city on a wasteland planet full of dangerous Natives. On top of ruffling feathers, including a rough start with her deputy, who was interim sheriff till she arrived, Sheriff Bronson is thrust into the middle of a family squabble and a nasty murder mystery.I've previously reviewed Issue #1, giving it a 10 out of 10. The first issue is a real attention getter, with strong characters, introduction to the story, and hook. This TPB covers five issues and tells one story arc, while laying the groundwork for future interactions (let's just say Sheriff Bronson isn't very good at making friends). There's a lot of mystery swirling around, intermingling with this arc, that has me quite intrigued for future reads. While I can't say the whole read wowed me as much as the first issue stand-alone, it is solid and exciting from beginning to end. I love the humor surrounding how the town's fat cat is failing at getting rid of Sheriff Bronson. The "solution" is hilarious, given who he is, and I love his unamused reaction. The arties seem rather like the clones in Star Wars -- created to fight, but now have no purpose since the war is over. Ishmael is different than the other arties. His role in this volume is simple but important, but I can't help wondering if he'll have a much bigger role in the future. I like Deputy Boo. I appreciate why he's irked at not being able to hold the sheriff position, and he handles himself well, without being a pushover. It's an odd give and take between him and the sheriff, since he's familiar with this town and its inhabitants, and she's not. I'm glad they seem to be working things out, thanks partly (mainly?) due to the messy multiple-murder case. Missus Sewell is a great mother character. She's mean and tough, but caring. I really like how her part of the story unfolds, and I look forward to more. I really like the outcome, with Sheriff Bronson hiring her as a babysitter for Zeke. It's quite a turnaround from their not-so-positive introduction to this, but every bit of it makes sense, especially between two mothers (one of which is also bound to upholding laws, regardless of personal feelings). Sheriff Bronson is growing on me. She has quite the attitude and chip on her shoulder in the beginning, but as the story progresses, she slips into her role well, and I get a better feel for her. Her attitude by the end gives me hope that she will open up even more ... and exact change on this world that the fat cats may not like but will be good for the people. Here's hoping. The art and coloring are wonderful. They really captures the essence, as well as the feel, of a futuristic, alien, "western," mining town. The washed-out colors give it an earthy feel, fitting for the setting and story. They also gives the violence a gritty realism. The character designs are great. I like that the lead is a human female, but it's Boo (male) and Ma Sewell (female) that steal the show; they may be the "supporting cast," but the story is very much about them as well. I like that this is not just a "life and times" of Sheriff Bronson; it makes for a richer reading experience when I can get so in touch with multiple characters. Even Ishmael has that spark of something that gives him real presence in the storyline. The Natives remind me of the creatures from Pitch Black, but it seems they have the intelligence to sign a treaty and agree to a hit job. We don't see them talk or do anything but act like savage killing machines, so I'm curious about this intellectual side. If you like sci-fi and / or post-apocalyptic wasteland type stories, you should definitely check this out. I like how this TPB is a self-contained arc, and I'm looking forward to the next arc. Written: May 4, 2015
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