DC Comics
Faker #3
By Zak Edwards
September 20, 2007 - 00:45

DC Comics
Writer(s): Mike Carey
Penciller(s): Jock
Cover Artist(s): Jock





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In my review of the first issue of Faker I came to the conclusion that I didn’t really know what was going on in the series, but I was okay with it.  Mike Carey and Jock had created an intelligent tale about college life, the people in it, and the struggle for identity.  Throw in a little science fiction and Faker is the outcome.  The series deals with some heavy material, including drugs and teacher-student sexual relationships, and provides a very unmerciful look at students.  Very interesting subject for a former teacher to write about!  Anyway, Carey provides us with another compelling issue, and even provides some answers.  Just as a note:  As with all Vertigo titles, this series is for mature readers as it contains mature subject matter and language.

The characters in Faker are as more of a mystery to themselves than the readers.  Insecure, illogical, and confused, these kids continue to create a their own path of destruction.  They react in ways that many groups of people do.  Some become recluse while others lash out.  The rest mope around, maybe try to escape for a while, except for a couple who try to figure everything out for everyone else.  Each of these reactions are explored in depth while the characters become more and more like people the audience may know.  At first, these college students are not ones you would like to meet, but eventually we all see a little bit of ourselves and people we know in them.  That’s the sign of great characterization, and that’s what Carey has given his readers.  The actions of these kids continue to forward the plot, and some of the things they are doing are not for the best.  Still, a couple of kids are drawing up conclusions, but Carey is still not rushing to hand out answers, allowing readers to figure things out themselves and question what is going on.  As a writer, he is creating a layered, complex story filled with incredible characters.  I almost don’t want it to end.

Jock’s art is very cool.  That’s the best way to put it.  His layouts are fluid and unique.  Shading and contrasting create very interesting panels within these layouts.  It’s easy to sit back and just look at the art.  I wasn’t completely sold at the beginning, but now that the colouring is more controlled, everything works together.

9.5/10    What a great series, if you’re not reading this one, start.

On a side note, I would like to apologize for the tardiness of this review.  Sorry to anyone who was wanting to read this over two weeks ago.  I’m sure if you’ve been to university, you can attest to how busy September can be.

And, as always, feel free to e-mail me at zak@comicbookbin.com and tell me what you think.

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