Written by Brian Michael Bendis
Illustrated by Michael Gaydos
Published by DC Comics
Brian Michael Bendis and Michael Gaydos have created one hell of a book here.
It’s hardly surprising that this mini series has now turned into an ongoing series.
Pearl Tanaka is one hell of a character that they have introduced. She is a character that could definitely have a lot more adventures.
This issue proves why it’s necessary that she has further adventures beyond this. It’s really great!
We start off with a flashback from some years ago.
We get to see Pearl and Oscar sitting in a car talking. Oscar is trying to pressure a young Pearl into going into a strip club. The problem is that Pearl is only seventeen years old at the time. The scene is dark and then becomes a nightmare. But it also shows how strong Pearl was, even at a very young age. It also shows how she has a determination that is unmatched.
This is a nice start to the issue that sets up the present day events beautifully. From there, we are thrown into an untenable situation with Pearl coming up against Mr. Miike.
She is basically faced with a choice here. She can either go be a part of the Yakuza or follow her path to be a tattoo artist. Or is there a balance to be had? Does she actually have the upper hand here? Where does she go from here?
Bendis and Gaydos play it smart and subtle. They don’t go big but instead opt for a lot of quiet character moments. It’s wonderful to see. The best part of the issue for me was when Pearl’s tattoo magically appeared in a pivotal scene. It was perfectly timed and wonderfully dramatic.
So where do we go from here?
We are left with a nice ending for this issue that can literally bring us anywhere. I have no idea what this team has in store. I do know that if Brian Michael Bendis and Michael Gaydos stay on this title that I will go wherever they decide to take me. I’m looking forward to more!
RATING: A
