Images & Words – COWBOY VIKING NINJA #6
[images & words is the comic book pick-of-the-week at OL. equal parts review and diatribe, the post highlights the most memorable/infuriating/entertaining book released that wednesday]
COWBOY NINJA VIKING has finally made its triumphant return! I caught wind of this series back in early April and have been eagerly anticipating this sixth issue ever since. Fortunately, the wait has paid off as the comic delivers.
Plot-wise, the reader follows Duncan as he struggles with two different dilemmas. Stemming from the turmoil of daily life, most readers will be able to relate to the first of these predicaments; being torn between two lovers. On one hand, the protagonist is quite interested in Grear as he and her “have industrial amounts of sex that’s like, porn star awesome.” On the other hand, Duncan finds Nix “God-damn alluring in a completely non-threatening manner, which makes [him] incapable of forming coherent thoughts…” With the skill of an excellent TV drama, COWBOY NINJA VIKING takes the reader through the process of selecting a mate.
Now, if that shit doesn’t hook you then perhaps you’d be more interested in Duncan’s other hang-up. Sent to a shrink named Meyerhoffer by his boss, the hero comes to realize that maybe he doesn’t want his gift anymore. Sure, wishing away talent is reprehensible, but it’s hard not to sympathize with Duncan — all of his abilities are rooted in his multiple personality disorder. Having the strength of a Viking, the speed of a ninja, or the aim of cowboy might be great, but having to battle them for mind-ownership is another deal all together.
While all of us might not have multiple personalities, COWBOY NINJA VIKING does raise more universal questions about the necessity of fulfilling roles. Sitting back at the end of a day, anyone can ask “Who am I? What makes me who I am? How am I defined?”
Are we defined by our careers? Mailman. Teacher. Lawyer. Engineer.
Are we defined by our relationships? Husband. Wife. Sister. Nephew. Daughter. Cousin.
Are we defined by our values? Skeptic. Optimist. Believer. Cynic. Realist. Idealist.
I’d like to think to that we are flesh and blood examples of synergy, the sum totaling to more than the combination of individual characteristics. But even so, sometimes we can’t utilize our more valued qualities and the less desirable rise to the surface.
Anyways, all of this reading between the lines is tied to a solid tale of espionage. The Triplets have been called upon by the government to head to Bangkok so they can purchase a black market nuclear device and return with it. The catch is that they have to bring a government engineer with them so he can run diagnostics on the bomb…and pray that a self-detonating security system doesn’t activate.
Per the demands of narrative structure, when shit starts to go down in Bangkok, Duncan finds that he is no longer able to summon his inner cowboy, Viking, and ninja. Does he now find himself wishing he had never spoken against his personalities? Hell no. In the midst of chaos he stands tall and proclaims “HOLY SHIT. I’M CURED.”
But even with this sick-ass story in hand, the most enthralling aspect of COWBOY VIKING NINA is the art. Riley Rossmo kills it on every damn panel, from the first page’s letterbox format to the four images of the final page. His panel divisions and figures are all amazing, but it is his use of tones that truly astounds. The colors are vibrant and well-placed, hallucinogenic strokes upon a dreary dark surfaces.
In essence, the visuals of this comic reach out to you and say, “Hey, I don’t give a shit what you’re used to — this is how I do things.” And then you step back, insulted at first but realizing that maybe this guy’s way is better after all. As though, things don’t have to be bland and formulaic.
Make it your goal to buy COWBOY NINJA VIKING #6. Hell, even if you don’t read comics, you should pick up one of these oversized issues and toss it on your coffee table. Motherfuckers will think you’re hip.