The Brothers James #1-4 (Challenger Comics)
*Editor’s Note: #1 was released Sept. 18th 2013, #2 Oct. 23rd 2013, #3 July 2nd 2014 and #4 September 24th 2014
Written by: Ryan Ferrier
Art by: Brian Level & Michael Walsh
There are times you find a good comic book and other times a good comic book finds you. The Brothers James by Ryan Ferrier, Brian Level and Michael Walsh is a completely independent endeavor that I had the good fortune of reading because the preview was so compelling. This ‘Dukes of Hazard’ meets Robert Rodriguez revenge thriller is a bloody, pulpy, joyride worth taking.
After finally reading the four issues I felt embarrassed The Brothers James was not on my radar sooner. It is as good as anything at your local comic book store right now for a fraction of the price. The story follows twin brothers, Jack and John James, on an interstate killing spree of bike gang members responsible for the murder of their parents’ years before.
It’s tense, subversively humorous, and violent. It’s reminiscent of Rodriguez’ ‘From Dusk Till Dawn’ about another set of brothers on a killing spree of their own in the dusty back-roads of America. When you consider the talent behind this independently created and distributed comic you’ll understand it’s no fluke the story and art has a polished finish that some other web comics lack.
Ferrier has been self-publishing books for years including his Tiger Lawyer and Monkeybrain’s D4VE and established his imprint Challenger Comics to house James as well as fostering other creative independent voices with short form sequential art. Level’s art has graced the pages of Valiant titles like Bloodshot and Harbinger as well as finishing work on Image’s Lazarus. Walsh, who did art on the first issue, went on to work on Comeback with Ed Brisson.
When you come across a gem like this the best thing you can do is share the hard work and passion of truly talented individuals that don’t always get the recognition they deserve. That’s why at .99 cents for each digital issue there’s no excuse not to download it now at Challenger Comics. Help support indie creators and spread the word.
You can find The Brothers James here at Challenger Comics or at The Brothers James Tumbler