Nola #1

I’m from Utah, and I used to be a Mormon. Add up these two things, and it’s easy to realize that I’m white. I’m the most lily-white cracker honky that ever white-breaded.

I’ve never been to New Orleans – yet. I’ve always wanted to go, for as long as I can remember. I’ve always been fascinated by that place. The swamps, the voodoo, the food, the booze, the music (many of my favorite bands come from there)…. I’ve always felt a pull from Nola.

So when Hurrican Katrina happened, like everyone I was shocked and devastated. Not only by the lost lives and bumbling, racist incompetence of our government, but by the potential loss of a great and vibrant culture.

The new comic NOLA from Boom (issue 3 of the 4 issue series just came out on newsstands) not only deals with the aftermath of the horrible hurricane, but deals with something non-geographic and unfortunately very universal – revenge.

The story of this book takes place in the aftermath of Katrina, and also before. We’re introduced to the character Nola trying to get back INTO New Orleans after the hurricane, and then the story flashes back to her and her family before the hurricane ever happened. The difference in the character before and after is pretty astounding. In the current story, Nola has her face covered by a handkerchief, and is brutal – she kills cops with almost no hesitation. When we see her in the past, she is a sweet girl who takes care of her mother. How did she end up the way she is now? What happened to her to make her this way? I don’t want to give anything away, but all these questions are answered.

NOLA was created by Chris Gorak, but the script is written by Pierluigi Cothran. Both of these men did a great job. The action that opens the book is brisk and engaging, and the back story equally so. The art by Damian Couceiro is absolutely terrific. The characters are all distinct, and the emotions they are experiencing is plainly visible on their faces – which is something that not all artists – even some of the biggest names in the field – can do that well! The coloring by Juan Manuel Tumburus is also worth noting. It’s more than that – it’s gorgeous. It’s almost……muted? Subtle? Lots of pastels, not a lot of hard colors involved. And when there is, it is utilized for maximum effect and really leaps out at you.

All around, the people involved in this comic are terrific. The story is compelling, and I got to admit – I’m very interested to see what happens…. and what happened! Boom Studios has done it again.