As much as I love books from DC and Marvel, the number of compelling indie titles on the market lately is staggering and Foster is another that deserves attention. For those who need a quick synopsis, the story follows Eddie Foster; a down-on-his-luck war veteran who becomes the caretaker of a young boy named Ben after his junkie mother (Trina) disappears. Everything takes place in Vintage City, where a strange group of monstrous creatures called Dwellers coexist with humans. Actually, “coexist” is a bad word choice, as these beasts do not play well with others! The Dwellers also have a vested interest in Ben and are in hot pursuit because…sorry, you’ll have to read the books to learn that secret. (There is, however, a clue in one of the panels below…) In this latest issue, Ben sits in the movie theater watching Prime Apes (more on that later!) and awaits Eddie’s return, not knowing that his guardian has been arrested for his alleged involvement in Trina’s disappearance.
During Eddie’s interrogation, the fate of Ben’s mother is finally revealed (which ain’t pretty!), as well as Foster’s surprising encounter with a Dweller during the war.
The police have no solid evidence against Eddie but try to coerce a confession out of him. After an aggressive grilling from the cops, Eddie cracks one of them in the jaw and eventually calls their bluff.
Back at the theater, a creepy man attempts to engage Ben in conversation and soon finds out that the boy is not one to be trifled with.
Will Eddie be released in time to find the boy before a Dweller does? And what is so damn important about Ben that makes him a target? Would you like the answers to these questions? Then read the book…
With all of the attention that Avengers Vs. X-Men is getting, some other great independent books will undoubtedly fall through the cracks and it is my goal to make sure that Foster isn’t one of them. The story, written by Brian Buccellato (co-writer/colorist on DC’s Flash), is masterfully paced and action-packed. Even in simple dialogue scenes, Buccellato builds suspense by dropping little bread crumbs on the narrative trail and slowly revealing the connective threads that bind the cast of characters. Three issues in and there is so much I don’t know and yet I know enough to keep me invested, which exemplifies affective writing. One of my favorite things about this issue was a tip of the cap to Planet of the Apes, (of which I am a rabid fan!) and the fact that it was not thrown in without forethought. It was, in a word, über-meta and added an extra layer of coolness to the narrative.
Artist Noel Tuazon (Elk’s Run and Tumor) continues to draw panels that are gritty, jagged and jarring, which reflects the dark and sinister nature of Vintage City and its inhabitants. The limited color palette used throughout adds a sense of foreboding that any entertaining noir tale requires and the use of space, ranging from tight and claustrophobic to open and inviting, kept me constantly engaged.
Foster is an exceptional book that continues to deliver superlative storytelling and impressive artwork, which is why it is my Pick of the Month for April. So, what are you waiting for?
Find it. Buy it. Read it.
Foster is published by Dog Year and you can buy a digital copy now for only $1.99 at;
http://www.brianbooch.com/dog-year-store/foster-issue-3-cse/
‘Nuff said…
