Peacemaker Tries Hard #1 is published by DC Comics, written by Kyle Starks and illustrated by Steve Pugh.
Issue #1 is available 2nd May 2023 either directly from DC Comics online or from your local comic book store, digital copies will be available to download from the usual content providers.
Synopsis
Having earned his release from the Suicide Squad, Peacemaker wants to try and do normal superhero stuff for a change. Unfortunately everyone, including the bad guys, thinks he sucks at superhero stuff. But when busting up a terrorist ring introduces Christopher Smith to the cutest thing to ever walk (awkwardly) on four legs, he finds the unconditional love he’s been denied his whole life.
That is, until the dog is kidnapped right out from under him by a super-villain who has some very un-super-heroic plans for Peacemaker’s brand of ultraviolence. Will he help an infamously unstable super-powered criminal steal the world’s most valuable-and dangerous-DNA? Honestly, Christopher’s pretty lonely, so it probably just depends on how nicely they ask…
Review
For the debut of DC’s new Black Label Peacemaker series we find the character a a crossroads in life. Having abandoned Task Force X (aka The Suicide Squad), he must now tread his own path as… whatever it is that Peacemaker thinks he is!
Written by Kyle Starks, Peacemaker Tries Hard! leans in heavily to the aesthetic of the character’s recent TV series. Not quite superhero, not quite villain. Peacemaker is out to prove to others he can do whatever it takes to bring peace to the work. Yes, even eat a bucket of poop. Of course his life-long mission will probably be harder than he originally thought.
It’s time for Christopher to stand up and be counted, a cute encounter with a certain four-legged character seen on the cover will change the way he looks at life altogether. But when it gets taken away the mood rapidly changes and Peacemaker gets to do what he does best, make as huge mess of trying to do the right thing.
From the moment I met Peacemaker I’d been enamoured with his no nonsense approach to life. I love his brashness and Stark does a great job of bringing that to the page. Admittedly I’m more familiar with his character on screen but I found this to be an authentic version of the character with all the best traits from both his comic book and live-action counterparts. We really dive deep in to his psyche across this first issue, laying some very interesting foundations for the future.
The illustrations from the book by Steve Pugh perfectly enhance the story and bring the written words to life adding the right amount of depth to the visual experience.
Verdict
The debut of Peacemaker Tries Hard! has definitely lead the groundwork for an exciting series to come. The creative team has hit the mark and I look forward to seeing more in the future.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
