Johnny Red #4

   While I'm not a huge fan of the grim and gritty-type storytelling, I have to admit that I really like Johnny Red.

   It gives writer Garth Ennis a chance to tell a largely-ignored (in America) story based on the air battle during World War II - on the Russian Front.

   It's a story rich in conflicted characters and military aircraft lore.

   It centers around the title character, a Brit expatriate who has fled (or been driven from) his home country and throws in with the Russians.

   Here he's fighting to get back in the air so he can help his team, after being grounded by Russian leadership - but it'll take some trickery to get there.

   The art by Keith Burns is rough and raw - a great match for the wartime setting.

   This isn't a series for everyone - it's a "warts and all" view of war, with no punches pulled. But it's powerful and compelling - and highly recommended!

Grade: A

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Johnny Red #1

   War comics are pretty rare these days, and with Johnny Red, Garth Ennis shows how to do history right.

   It's certainly not a typical approach. It starts with the modern-day discovery of a roached-out World War II-era fighter plane - a Hurricane.

   The buyer - a wealthy businessman with an interest in the history of the plane - is having the plane restored, and goes in search of the story behind the plane's military exploits.

    His journey takes him to Russia, where he meets the man who holds the secrets behind the British plane that fought the Nazis - in Russia!

   It's a riveting story, and this is just the opening chapter. The art by Keith Burns is raw, kinetic and powerful - it's perfect for the series (which has its roots in a British comics series).

    I have to admit, I loved this issue - it's unique, tackling a largely-unknown (to Americans) corner of the war. Highly recommended!

Grade: A

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