Writer: Garth Ennius
Art: Garry Brown, Lee Loughridge, Rob Steen, Juan Ferreyra
Publisher: DC Comics
Price:$3.99
Release Date: January 25th, 2022
PEACEMAKER has become rather popular recently. From THE SUICIDE SQUAD movie and his own series to recent comic book appearances in the SUICIDE SQUAD ongoing, Christopher Smith can be seen all over the place in recent media. However, what’s his backstory? And, who really is PEACEMAKER? Well, let’s dive into PEACEMAKER: DISTURBING THE PEACE #1 by Garth Ennis and find out.
If you’re interested in this comic, series, related trades, or any others that were mentioned then simply click on the title/link to snag a copy through Amazon.
THE DISPATCH
Who better to write a story about PEACEMAKER than Garth Ennis? Well, for those unfamiliar with Ennis’ style, let me elaborate. You see, Ennis isn’t a big “superhero” type of writer. He enjoys writing characters who are more down-to-earth, real, and grounded like THE PUNISHER. His specific style normally takes on the life of a highly violent, extremely volatile, male-dominated, and aggressive tone figure with hints of dark and twisted humor sprinkled amongst the reality of everyday life. And ultimately, that sums up PEACEMAKER: DISTURBING THE PEACE #1.
Fans interested in getting to know a more updated backstory for PEACEMAKER that doesn’t involve Vietnam or his father connected to Nazis will get an extremely twisted and almost serial killer-esque beginning for this warped character’s sense of judgment and peace. Ennis provides one horrific beginning after another to help paint the picture of how truly unstable and unhinged PEACEMAKER has become. And frankly, makes readers reading this opening installment feel uneasy if that’s your sort of thing.
ART
Garry Brown and Lee Loughridge provide a darker tone to the issue with the pencil work and color design. Brown’s style is more of an acquired taste that involves a lot of jagged lines. Furthermore, the color palette is much darker which ultimately fits the twisted tone dynamic of PEACEMAKER’S backstory. Nonetheless, Brown does show some great distinction in the Psychiatrist’s shocking expressions as well as PEACEMAKER’S lack of feeling and almost demented stare. Still, Brown’s style is somewhat loose and a bit too messy for my personal taste.
Sure, it’s fitted with the tone of the issue. Yet, so would a more well-defined, smooth, and almost crisp style. Brown strikes me as a really good sketch artist with loads of talent. He can organize pages well and really helps format the story making it flow with ease. Nevertheless, the rendering came across as less detailed, rough, and drawn with way too many shadows causing this reviewer to pause frequently to decipher some of the images which ultimately took me out of the issue multiple times.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Furthermore, this isn’t your Jon Cena PEACEMAKER. Ennis’ version isn’t goofy or weird. Sure, he’s awkward, direct, and silent. But to those looking for something humorous or fun from the character, that’s not in this week’s PEACEMAKER: DISTURBING THE PEACE #1 nor does it fit Ennis’ style. However, there isn’t a better pick for a writer to legitimize PEACEMAKER and separate him from the own screen, goofy Cena version than Garth Ennis.
Now, I’m not saying there isn’t a place for the own screen version. Nevertheless, if you’re looking for a backstory that better explains the character in which is raw, authentic, violent, and unnerving, PEACEMAKER: DISTURBING THE PEACE #1 is definitely for you. As of now, I’m all in on the series. Plus, if the current PEACEMAKER series happens to spark fans to check out this comic, they’ll certainly see a difference in perception BUT will unequivocally be hooked and hopefully dip their toe in even more of what DC COMICS has to offer. Let me know what you think, have a great week, and God Bless!