Gears of War: Book 1 (Review) - The Art of War

I am not a gamer, but I am curious. After finishing the newest graphic novel by DC’s Wildstorm, “Gears of War,” I want to experience the bloody glory as Sgt. Marcus Fenix, leader of Delta One, on the ultimate mission: destroy the Locusts or become extinct.

The little I know about Gears of War, the ultra-popular videogame for X-Box by Epic Games, is positive: powerful graphics, intense action, and a likeable hero in Marcus Fenix. This legendary merc was recruited to protect humans and destroy the subterranic invaders, the Locusts (aka “the Hordes”). As I imagine is true of most games of this kind, the emphasis is on the action not the backstory. Development of a cogent story for Marcus and his heroic squad was left to Joshua Ortega, known for his prequel to Knights of the Old Republic videogame, “Shadows & Light” in Star Wars Tales, and his own creation, Necromancer (Top Cow). “Gears of War: Book 1” collects issues #1-#6, the storyline entitled “Hollow”, illustrated by Liam Sharp (Event Horizon, Testament).

Ortega demonstrated particular skill with infusing emotional depth to the characters in between the action packed scenarios that became larger, fiercer and more deadly with each page turned. Instead of focusing on Marcus Fenix, the story was told through a new recruit, Jayson Stratton (Jace). Jace’s admiration and respect for Marcus frames the opening chapters of the series. But soon, Jace’s skill and determination solidify him as a noble, layered character in his own right. Meanwhile, Marcus’ character, which is all heart and guts in the field, is reclusive and brooding back in safer territory. This sets up amazing creative space for future stories that can peel away the layers to the games’ featured hero or keep him an unsolved mystery that fans will be drawn to.

The story lays a solid foundation for some of Marcus’ brothers-in-arms as well: Dominic “Dom” Santiago, in search of his missing wife, as well as Augustus “Cole Train” Cole and Damon Baird, who make a dramatic appearance in the fourth chapter and revealed to be a part of a new squad, Sigma One. Since this series is a bridge to the Gears of War 2 videogame, fans might expect to see new characters and squads introduced in the comic at various levels of the game.

The complexity of the cast of heroes was equaled by Sharp’s rendition of the Locusts. Muscled, calculating, savage, and varied in size and threat, these invaders echoed elements of Predator and Aliens. But when they are being blown or chain-sawed to bits, does it really matter what they look like? I can’t wait to see what the videogame versions of these creatures resemble. I credit the pace set up in this story, there was tension in every chapter; the action was relentless. I kept wondering who or what our heroes would find; what abominations lurked behind (under??) every turn.

If I have one criticism, the closing chapter has Jace asking about a stranded girl’s parents only moments after he barely escaped an attack and while his comrade is being slaughtered a few yards beneath him. Much better to have rescued all the survivors and later have found out that the mother was a survivor in the camp. That was stretching the emotional heartstrings too much at the wrong time. Keep your head in the game, Jace!

Lastly, kudos to the cover and bonus art in between chapters, which didn’t break the flow of Sharp’s illustrations and provided some cool visual variations on our heroes and the Locusts. Also, the bonus story, “One Day”, illustrated by Federico Dallocchio, does a nice job of highlighting Dominic. That frame of Dom and his wife taking a picture: they really do look Hispanic! I don’t know why it is, but I appreciate it.

I am not a gamer. I don’t wear headsets arguing with invisible warriors over tactical positions while I wrench my body back and forth to avoid death at the hands of a videogame avatar. But thanks to “Gears of War,” I feel like I owe it to the characters to take on the challenge. Watch out Locusts! Here comes The Wingman!