Comic Review: United States vs. Murder Inc. #1

United States vs. Murder Inc. #1

Jinxworld

Writer: Brian Michael Bendis

Artist: Michael Avon Oeming

One of the numerous new labels recently created by DC Comics is Jinxworld, consisting of new and old creator-owned comics written by Brian Michael Bendis. One of its titles is a new series of United States Vs. Murder Inc., a book in which crime organizations secretly control America. While this #1 is a continuation of a pre-existing series, it does not require prior reading. That already puts Murder Inc. ahead of most, as it avoids making a “jumping on point” that’s really anything but. Murder Inc. #1 reveals the traumatic origins of hitwoman Jagger Rose, the secondary protagonist of the last series. United States Vs. Murder Inc. #1 affirms that crime fiction is what Bendis does best.

Murder Inc. #1 immediately establishes that it’s a mature readers book, though with a little too much enthusiasm. People are thrown off buildings, have their eyes gouged out, and reference pedophile priests. This establishes the tone but it’s too forced. The most effective death in the book has hardly any blood and only lasts half a page, showing that Murder Inc reads better when it’s more restrained. Michael Oeming’s art adds a level of depth to the more “mature” elements, though he doesn’t self-censor. Without his presentation, Murder Inc. #1 might have come off as much more childish.

Murder Inc #1 is a primarily character-driven story, though the cast is a mixed bag. While Jagger Rose is a serviceable character, the writing fails her in the flashbacks. Her representation as an adolescent and teenager aren’t convincing and feel too similar to the adult Jagger. Oeming does manage to make up for that with some small but effective details, mainly body language. Jagger only feels younger during the cliffhanger ending, as the art sells her absolute fear. Her connection with “Uncle” Jake, the made man who takes her under his wing, thankfully compensates for her own flaws. Jake’s interactions with her are familial while still in line with those of a hitman. This forms a compelling contrast with his vile actions, as he knowingly sets Jagger down a dark path. The complexity of their relationship helps United States Vs. Murder Inc. #1 overcome its flaws.

Bendis and Oeming have collaborated on a lot of comics by this point and it’s not hard to see why. The latter’s art brings out the best in the former’s writing. Oeming’s grasp on the subtleties of human interaction help offset the clunkiness of Bendis’ “conversational” dialogue. He also uses lighting to great effect, adding a sense of realism to his somewhat abstract style. Taki Soma’s colors work well with the art. She uses a combination of muted and vibrant color palettes to good effect, reflecting Murder Inc. #1’s focus on contrasts. United States Vs. Murder Inc. #1 has its issues but it offers a promising hook despite some minor issues.