Comic Review: Redneck #14

Redneck #14

Image Comics

Writer: Donny Cates

Artist: Lisandro Estherren

Don’t you hate it when you come to your ex-girlfriend for help, but she shoots you with a shotgun instead? No? Well, that’s where Redneck #13 ended. Now we get to sink our teeth into this issue and find out Bartlett’s fate.

Redneck #14 starts on a bit of a somber moment. Bartlett, being shot with a shotgun, is happy and accepting of his death. Of course, being a vampire, his death gets a delay. His savior is Ingrid, a woman who is part of The Council of Elders. Bartlett runs into July, but they’re interrupted by JV.

I really like all the world building that happens in this issue. The Council of Elders is a completely new element that I’m sure we’ll be exploring in the future. We see a little more of Bartlett’s relationship with July, something that’s been teased and hinted at from early on. There’s also teases of things to come, with Perry being in a coma. As well as Greg and Seamus going into town, without supervision. My small gripe with this issue, it’s that the set-up for future plot points is a little obvious. It’s a little like saying “I wonder what’s behind this door?” when there’s a window on the door. It’s not a bad thing, just a minor gripe.

I do think this issue is a little slow, which isn’t a bad thing. The second story arc ended with a lot of blood spilling and violence. Being in the aftermath of that, I don’t mind the slower pace. Donny Cates is one of my current favorite writers, so I don’t doubt that I’ll enjoy what he has planned for this series.

The art is par for the course for this series. Between issues, Bartlett got a shave, and like in real life, he looks like a different person. Not an entirely new character, but it’s a noticeable difference, as it should be. I like Lisandro Estherren’s art, but I think it’s at it’s best when there is violence and bloodshed. Neither of those things happen in this issue though.

At the end of the day, this is a good , solid issue. I don’t think it’s the best issue of Redneck we’ve seen, but it’s good. The writing and dialogue are well done, as always. The art is good, and the design change on Bartlett works well. I’m a fan of worldbuilding in stories, and that’s what this issue is. I like my action and violence in comics, but it wouldn’t fit in this issue. I’m looking forward to what’s to come in the world of Redneck.