Rip Kirby #1 is written by Christopher Sebela and published by Mad Cave Studios. Artwork is by Tango, colours by K.J. Diaz and letters by Jeff Eckleberry. Main cover art (left) is by Annie Wu.
Rip Kirby #1 is available from today, in comic book stores and on digital platforms where all good comic books are sold. Grab your physical copy from Forbidden Planet or digitally from Amazon Comixology UK.
Synopsis
War hero. Star athlete. Brilliant scientist. Savvy private investigator. Rip Kirby’s reputation is long-secured, and these days he’s enjoying the post-war boom of New York City. With gorgeous and quick-witted Honey Dorian at his side and reformed criminal valet Desmond running the show, it’s a perfect life, and perfectly balanced. It’s been perfect for what seems like forever… But Rip’s world is about to get complicated, and his unflappably decent ways are being tested like never before. Up against a world that seems to be growing too fast, can an upstanding man of morals and fair play like Rip remain himself, he will he be swallowed up by the ugliness?
Review
Rip Kirby is not a character most people will instantly recognise, at least nowadays, but the impact the detective once had on newspaper comic strips back in the 1940s should be noted nonetheless. Now, several decades after the character’s inception, Christopher Sebela and his team have come together to revitalise this once great series for modern audiences. Did they succeed, or should they have left Rip alone in the history books?
This first issue lets its intentions known right from the start with a thrilling car chase through the streets of New York City. These opening pages let readers know upfront that the classic noir stylings have been meticulously captured and heightened to reinforce the story and setting being showcased. This specific aesthetic is primarily achieved through Tango’s period-accurate artwork mixed wonderfully with K.J. Diaz’s vibrant colouring. It’s an approach that pays homage to the genre it’s set within whilst also packing more life and energy into the characters and world in the process.
On that note, the characters, worldbuilding and story as a whole are all incredibly engaging in the ways you would want a detective mystery to be. There is a genuine attempt to ground these characters rather than playing into the stereotypes they could have very easily fallen into. Don’t get me wrong, the tropes are there, but characters such as the titular Rip have an added sense of humanity given to them that makes them a lot more relatable and interesting to follow as a protagonist.
As commendable as it is to bring this vintage look to new audiences, this comic also carries over some underwhelming elements that used to plague older comic strips. Nowadays, writers and artists try to find a consistent blend of dialogue and imagery to move the story forward, with some even going as far as to let the art do the majority of the storytelling. However, a trope of older comics is the overreliance on words and dialogue to explain character motivations, emotions, or to progress the narrative, and Rip Kirby leans heavily into that approach.
The writing itself is not the problem, as the dialogue is spot-on for this type of genre and lends itself to instances of humour and playfulness; it’s just that sometimes the emphasis on text and dialogue can detract from the visual flair coming from its art style, which is where a lot of its personality and authenticity come from.
The strongest thing going for Rip Kirby is its commitment to its look whilst staying faithful to the character’s origins. Sometimes this is to a fault, but for the most part, what is delivered here is a fun and stylish crime mystery with a lot of charm keeping it afloat.
Verdict
Sebela and Co. do a fantastic job of bringing this overlooked detective into the modern comic book landscape with an undeniable retro style that oozes confidence and personality with every turn of the page.
⭐⭐⭐.5
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