Summary
Warning: contains possible spoilers forStandStill#1!
Standstill#1, fromImage Comics, injects a genius science-fiction twist into the revenge thriller genre. Lee Loughridge, whose coloring workon IDW’sStar Trektitles has earned him an Eisnernomination, turned his attention to writing withStandStill, a new eight-issue miniseries by Image Comics. Loughridge is joined by artist Andrew Robinson, and together the two have crafted an unforgettable first issue that is more than just a revenge story.
Standstill#1 is written by Lee Loughridge and drawn by Andrew Robinson. The issue opens in a seedy dive bar that is a hangout for bikers. A mysterious, Hawaiian-shirt wearing man provokes the bikers, but suddenly the man disappears–and the bikers turn up dead. The man leaves the bar, implying that someone has been avenged. As the first issue unfolds, fans learn the truth about this stranger–he has stolen an experimental device that can freeze time.
Armed with this fantastic weapon, the man, whose name is Ryker Ruel, leaves a blood-soaked trail across the world.
StandstillBreathes New Life Into the Revenge Genre
StandstillExplores the Grey Areas of Revenge
Standstillis another triumph for Image Comics, and is certain to continue Lee Loughridge’s rise in the field. Loughridge is currently known for his coloring work onStar Trekfor IDW,Flash Gordonfor Mad Cave Studiosand a host of others. In addition,Standstill#1 is another feather in the cap for Andrew Robinson. Robinson has made a name for himself drawing covers and interiors for nearly every major comics' publisher.Standstillis their first collaboration, and kicks off with a super-sized first issue consisting of double-spread pages, creating a widescreen effect.
And this is befitting a story such asStandstill, which marries time travel with the action-revenge thriller. This genre is perpetually popular with audiences, but it has seen something of a resurgence in the past decade, thanks to films likeJohn Wick.Standstill#1 does not concern itself, at least in the first issue, with Ryker’s motivations, but the implication is they are not entirely noble. Ryker’s revenge is taking many forms, not just murder, but other crimes as well, including dognapping. The mystery of Ryker will play out acrossStandstill’seight issues.
StandstillIs An Excellent First Issue
Lee Loughridge and Andrew Robinson Knock It Out of the Park
Standstillshows the darkness inherent in the field, as readers continually question Ryker and his reasons for his one-man crusade.
Image Comics’Standstilluses its science fiction elements to elevate its story above the rest of the revenge thriller genre.Standstillshows the darkness inherent in the field, as readers continually question Ryker and his reasons for his one-man crusade. Is Ryker a good person, out to avenge the down-trodden? Or is there something deeper, and far more disturbing, going on underneath?Standstillraises questions of trust, namely, how much can someone place in a person like Ryker Ruel?Standstillis loaded with mysteries and philosophical questions about the nature of revenge, making for a compelling first issue.
