Chris Warner’s inaugural and reboot of the comic book series “Barb Wire†has its moments.
Looking like a semi-demented, put upon Harley Quinn-sans makeup, Barb is a bounty hunter and bar owner in a city aptly named Steel Harbor. Each panel is economically well done in both writing and artwork. Barb Wire gets the job done. And seeing her supporting cast in this work it’s no wonder that nearly 20 years ago Pamela Anderson brought it to the big screen (where it failed and died a horrible quick death, not even worthy of a drinking game). Still, poor, misguided Anderson knew a strong character when she saw one and Barb Wire does deserve screen treatment.
For now, on these pages there is the blind bartender, a tenable peace between opposing gangs, and a man that looks like a cross between Odin and Zeus bring about both comedy and dramatic tension. The trouble that truly looms over this city seems to be the doom of gentrification, where progress is measured by how many hipsters are willing to stay along with who will be herded into worse ghettos created by redevelopment. In this social media, 24-7 world Barb struggles desperately to stay afloat. But can she survive amidst this new landscape?
One thing is for certain that in this ongoing series there will be much for Warner to explore. With so many exploits occurring in the first issue, there is still room for growth and mysteries to be solved. All these characters seem to have stories of their own that are barely hinted at but is rich for exploration. Essentially “Barb Wire†is worthy of another run. In what seems to be a cluttered world of vigilantes and meta-humans Barb is refreshing in that she has no powers, and real problems that are relatable to anyone trying to keep their life together.
Essentially “Barb Wire†is worthy of another run. In what seems to be a cluttered world of vigilantes and meta-humans Barb is refreshing in that she has no powers, and real problems that are relatable to anyone trying to keep their life together.
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