REVIEW: SHERIFF OF BABYLON, Vol. 1: BANG. BANG. BANG.

As a comic reader, there comes a time when a comic book just clicks. In a vast selection of superheroes and sci-fi, it’s totally refreshing to come across a title that’s rooted in something real. Something that captivates you with its grittiness and no holds barred look at the layers of a complex subject. In this case, it’s the American invasion of Iraq in the Sheriff of Babylon.

Set in a post-Saddam Baghdad, the Sheriff of Babylon centers around US military consultant Chris Henry, a former Florida police officer who’s now assigned to train the city’s future law enforcement recruits. When one of his trainees is found dead, he is forced to take responsibility and investigate the murder. He partners up with Nassir, a former Baghdad police officer, as recommended by Sofia, to solve the mystery. However, Nassir has his own secrets. And Sofia, a member of the Iraqi council and sometime lover of Chris, schemes with different factions to take control over her country.

On paper it sounds like a crime story, and you would not be wrong to assume that it is. But Tom King’s plotting and scripting add such deep layers of study about the state of a post-Saddam Baghdad. With a clear leader gone, the city has gone into chaos with political parties fighting for control (the US included). It’s as much a war drama as it is a commentary on international politics and society, with foreign cultures and ideals clashing against each other. Furthermore, it also highlights the common values that we uphold as humans regardless of race and gender, that everybody is just trying to get by in life give the circumstances. And with King’s experience with the CIA, the story of Sheriff of Babylon feels a little bit more authentic.

Mitch Gerads is no stranger to this genre. Given his stint on another military themed comic The Activity, Gerads is sure to feel at home in this one. Each panel is chock full of detail, even down to their gear. Gerads perfectly incorporates little nuances to each character that make them pop out and feel alive. The little ticks in faces and the body language add depth and context to an already brilliant storytelling.

The first trade paperback of the Sheriff of Babylon is a great introduction into the series. King and Gerads beautifully crafted an authentic war drama that explores a much more human side on the American invasion of Iraq. It’s been a while since Vertigo put out a truly amazing title, but Sheriff of Babylon‘s arrival could be considered an instant classic up to par with Vertigo’s greats.