A MindPick’d Comics Review: Image Comics “Heart” #1
Character-driven and insightful ass-kickery
Writer: Blair Butler
Artist: Kevin Mellon
Debuting this past Wednesday was the premiere of not only Blair Butler’s first comic book project, Heart, but also her first comic she’s had published. For those familiar with Butler and her work on G4 as the comics and MMA correspondent, you know she has a deep passion for both. However, does this burgeoning love for the art of fighting and sequential art translate into something that communicates both?
The debut issue, entitled “Sprawl”, introduces readers to Oren “Rooster” Redmond. When the issue starts, we see Rooster win a fight, but the question remains of it’s an empty win or not. Shortly thereafter, we rewind two years, to 2007, where we find a young man, then known only as Oren Redmond, working a menial job and not finding much fulfillment in his life. In fact, it’s not until Oren sees his brother’s own MMA fight that he gets the gumption to make a change and start training.
Note: I’m keeping things vague for a reason. That reason is there’s so much more to this debut-issue than the basic plot!
Blair Butler’s writing is strong in this initial outing. Oren’s voice comes through and gives us an endearing young man who starts out as a likeable loser. Even more so, the fighting in this issue is paced incredibly well; matched up with Kevin Mellon’s art and we’ve got ourselves a comic not to be missed! Mellon’s art is left in black and white, and it certainly gains from that decision. Each panel has a sketched feel, making the art feel less overly produced and each emotion and punch thrown more genuine. One simple idea that has a large effect is the ink splatter for blood. I should also note that my favorite sequence is on p.25. In it, we get Oren laying and thinking about his coming, first fight; the narration and art make for a powerful page.
Normally, I’m not one to watch a whole lot of MMA fights. Sure, I’ve caught a few here and there, but my interest never really latched onto it. However, with Butler and Mellon’s Heart, I found myself enthralled in the story and even took the time to learn some of the terms I wasn’t familiar with. I also appreciated all of the great music shout-outs in the form of each fighter’s entrance music.
Heart isn’t just a comic for people who are into MMA-style fighting, but for people who enjoy a good story overall. Go get yourself an issue from your local store, you won’t be disappointed in your choice to do so. An interesting story, great character and kinetic storytelling. It’s a win-win for its creators and readers alike.
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