Virgin Comics is the new kid on the block when it comes to Comic Book Super Heroes and villains and they jumped right into the mix. Their new line of "Director's Cuts", created by non-comic creators, including those from movies and music has proven to be a credible gamble for the reader. While there have been some that didn't really click with me, Seven Brothers, the first release from this series and created by John Woo is certainly not one of the ones that didn't.
Woo, along with Garth Ennis as the writer and Jeevan Kang handling the art chores have made this title into one of the better books of the year. It is interesting, fast paced and well thought out and developed.
The brothers in Seven Brothers are not technically real brothers but instead are members of a secret clique created by a 15th Century Chinese sorcerer. When the brothers first meet, they are given a quick history of the world as it really was when it was first circumnavigated by the Chinese navy with the intent of spreading civilization. The true mission however, was to give an evil magician power over the "Dragon Lines" that exist throughout the planet (re: Ley Lines) so that he could conquer the planet.
Our heroes are informed that the evil sorcerer had a student who discovered his masters plan and, in one of the more creative ways to fight him, impregnated women from around the world, that his children could be prepared when it came time to fight the "Son of Hell" again.
Cut to present day, Los Angeles, California. We are introduced to one of the brothers as he is beaten down by a group of prostitutes he has attempted to pimp out. It is not a glorious introduction for him or for the reader, but it did make me laugh.
As the young man, Ronald Wipes, is having second thoughts about his chosen career and about asking Jesus to forgive his sins as he is about to die, he is rescued by a beautiful and mysterious woman (and aren't they all beautiful and mysterious in some way?) who commences to beat the snot out of Ronald's attackers and she does it without raising a hand, simply by telling what she has already done.
The other six, all from different racial and cultural backgrounds have been called together at a meeting place by this same mysterious woman (Rachel Kai) who has just arrived with a subdued Ronald in tow.
She then reveals that it was she was the one who contacted them supplying them each the a plane ticket and a check for fifty thousand Dollars. After being informed of certain facts, the six are about to leave only to stop at Rachel's final comment. The reason why they were selected, is because each of them have a special ability, although in Ronald's case that ability is unknown.
Virgin Comics began a few months ago with titles intended to appeal to and exploit the Comic Book fan in India, and with luck around the world. And 7 Brothers has a lot going for it. Not just the good vs. evil aspect but also the potential for examining the social and cultural differences and commonalities we all share.
The idea of people related by even a small amount of blood from someone hundreds or even a thousand years ago is a great equalizer if only we would look at it that way. That is the underlying message to me of the first issue.
In the second issue, the seven discuss and argue over the meaning of their destiny, and also introduces the men who seek to use the evil for their own purposes. The only problem is, they have no idea of just how deep that evil is or what its true intention is. As we see the Son of Hell begin his work in our world, we see also that modern man has no concept of just how bad, bad can be.
Each issue moves along at a fine pace, with new revelations coming at just the right speed. The issue with all of them in Hell is quite enjoyable, and by the time we discover just what Ronald's ability is, it is quite a shock and fun at the same time.
Ennis brings his usual penchant for smack you in the face scripting and in some cases reminded me of the dark humor he touched on in both Punisher and Preacher. The series is completely enjoyable and well worth seeking out. The book has been released in a limited, hardcover edition and I hope to get one of those for review. If you get the chance, pick one up. I don't think you will regret it. As for the 7 Brothers, I hope they continue the series.