Postal #1
Top Cow Productions
Written by: Bryan Edward Hill & Matt Hawkins
Art by: Isaac Goodhart
In the small town of Eden, Wyoming, its residents all share a common past. One that makes them uniquely qualified to live undisturbed. It’s a safe haven for criminals of all kinds who have to abide by some simple rules: lay low, don’t break the law and most of all don’t bring attention to the town. The penalty, as we see, is harsh and severe. Our protagonist is a unique observer in Mark Shiffron, town postal worker, mayor’s son and living with Asperger’s. Bryan Hill, Matt Hawkins and Isaac Goodhart have created an eerie world in Postal #1 where the first murder in 25 years has an entire town of suspects. It’s a first-rate drama with dark undertones told through the eyes of an uncommon lead character.
You can’t help but feel sympathetic towards Mark as he appears as the only good person in town. The waitress at the diner he frequents may be an exception as he’s unable to express his feelings to her. She seems kind and patient with Mark despite his sometimes blunt observations about her appearance. The Asperger’s has removed any filter and empathy from Mark which can make situations awkward. He’s called a ‘retard’ by some folks and a burden to his Mayor mom.
It’s tough to see an innocent soul surrounded by a town full of shady people, but I’m sure it’s the exact effect the writers intended. It works. When Mark discovers some illegal activity going on it gnaws at him, he wants to know what’s going on. And so do we. Despite his quirks, or maybe because of them Mark makes a great hero amid the villains.
Goodhart excels in conveying facial expressions that shape the personality of the townsfolk. He’s kept busy with expressions of anger, annoyance, fear, except for Mark who’s usually expressionless. Overall, the layouts are textbook and the colors of Betsy Gonia are monochromatic and dreary but that’s probably by design.
Postal is an engrossing mystery with unsavory characters. You can’t help but feel a little dirty for spending some time with the folks of Eden. It’s a Twin Peaks for felons and the first issue draws you in like a good comic should. It’s definitely worth picking up and adding to your pull list.