Devil Water
written by Steve Barr
based on a story by Steve Barr and Danny Grossman.
King Tractor Press,
I got in the first two issues of Devil Water and enjoyed them a good deal. Which was not easy, considering how they were done. I don't know if theses two issues were done so far apart that they had to have the recap in number 2, or if no one could come up with a credible story for the first part of the book.
Which is sad, in many ways. While Devil Water is both a comedy and a western, it also delves into the supernatural and a touch of mystery. This can be tough, but if done right, it makes for a great book.
Henry Hill is traveling the American Southwest, trying to sell his latest invention, a soft drink called "Henry Hill's Cool Refreshing Carbonized Libation". After giving a drink to the local bartender, Henry is informed that the two of them are now partners.
This works fine, until the bartender decides he no longer needs Henry and attempts to get his formula. Henry escapes, which brings us almost to the end of book 2.
Now, back in book one the first half of book one we are introduced to an old prospector who is searching for the 'big one', the mother lode. He is murdered by a group of outlaws who discover a pool of water with strange (and probably highly evil) powers. This issue now introduces Henry Hill, an inventor who is traveling through the west. He drives his small wagon into a frontier town, and quickly learns that the town doesn't take kindly to snake-oil salesmen.
Which brings us back to the start of the second issue. For some reason, issue two simply 'replayed' the events of book one, for no reason other then to showcase the talent and ability of Harry Roland, the artist on this issue. And I will make no arguments, I much preferred the clear pencils and shading done by Roland to the work in issue one.
Maybe it is a personal preference, but I like my art defined and easy to follow. And by no means am I saying that Tielman Cheaney's work is not good, it simply is not my 'cup of tea' right now. It is good, for what it is; but I simply prefer Harry's.
Over all, the creative team has pulled together a number of genres and made them work in what could be a really well done book. If the next few in the series are up to the quality of what has been done so far, then Devil Water should have a good run.