Written by Justin Jordan, Nikki Ryan
Illustrated by Morgan Beem
Published by Image Comics
I don’t normally like to quote press descriptions but in the case of The Family Trade, with its complex back structure, this will explain the concepts more succinctly than I could:
In a world where alchemy exists and history didn’t quite go the way that it did here, there is the Float, formally the Free Republic of Thessalia, an ocean-borne city that’s at the center of business and commerce. And on the Float is the Family, a sprawling network of thieves, con men, and assassins with one goal: make sure the Float keeps floating. Jessa Wynn, their youngest member, is about to learn just how dirty a job it is when she finds herself in the middle of a plot which threatens the stability of the Float. And to make matters worse, she finds she cannot do the one job required of her: killing.
The only things that leaves out are the cats.
Yes, cats.
The cats in this book play an unusual role, at least when the mood comes on them to do so.
With its striking black, white and red cover, The Family Trade Vol. 1 collects the first five issues of the Image series from Justin Jordan, Nikki Ryan, and Morgan Beem. For all I know it was simulated by computer but the artwork from the latter throughout has a lovely watercolor feel to it with Jessa’s hair atmospherically mimicking thick black smoke in nearly every panel.
There are a number of backstabbing villains involved but it’s impossible not to see the ostensible Big Bad as a Trump parallel in a number of ways, which has the perhaps unintentional effect of making the whole story seem as if it’s a fictionalized attack on Donald. Your mileage will no doubt vary as to whether that’s a plus or a minus in terms of a selling point.
Unlike some collections of individual issues, the story here flows pretty steadily and this particular arc even gets something akin to an actual ending.
All in all, an enjoyable, exciting and fairly original tale, well done in all areas…especially the cats.
Booksteve recommends.
