Writer: Peter Milligan / Penciller: ACO / Inker: David Lorenzo / Colour Artist: Dean White / Letterer: Sal Cipriano / AWA Upshot via AWA Studios
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7th October 2020
The Pitch: War is over, democracy an illusion, real power now lies not with nation-states but huge corporations engaged in a silent war for global domination. Their number one weapon: highly-skilled, technologically-enhanced operatives trained since childhood to pledge their allegiance to the corporate flag. But what happens when one such operative breaks free of his mental chains and decides to bring the whole system down? Can one "Ronin" make a difference?
What makes a good character? Possibly, it's the same thing that makes a good hero. Or a good villain: Empathy. Myself, I'm not very empathetic. Sympathetic, yes. But empathy is not my strong point. I can tell you how I feel. But I can't always understand how you're feeling, or why you're feeling that way. But Peter Milligan, a writer who has created more than a few emotionally complex characters and storylines, can. In American Ronin, Milligan shows us that empathy is the enemy, at least if you're part of a pan-global corporation intent on running the world by any means necessary. He gives a world that is partly our future, partly our present – where feelings are weaponised. Where our human detritus, our skin, our spit – are all just access points into our psyche. The future is... emotional. And it's not just your emotions that will hurt you.
IN AMERICAN RONIN, ‘I FEEL THEREFORE I AM’ BECOMES THE TRUE MANTRA
American Ronin represents a new take on the global thriller sub-genre. It doesn't suggest that companies are running the world, it says it outright as a definitive statement. This is a reality we've all been living in for a while. As money becomes the primary form of expression, it can't be a surprise that corporations are now more governmental than our governments. Though this may seem like a dystopian idea, it is simply the logical conclusion of the path we've been on for decades. These pan-global entities use individuals known as 'Ronin' to reinforce their positions, having them engage in Assassinations and coups. They have abilities. Some will crawl into your nightmares and make them manifest. The lead of our story can feel your feelings. It's this concept, simple and taut, that opens up a myriad of possibilities story-wise. Our feelings aren't as controlled as our thoughts or our behaviour, which even in the echelons of high society and monied globalism are constrained by certain societal norms. Our feelings are raw, instinctual. They're who we truly are. The notion of 'I think therefore I am' becomes a misnomer when you apply this logic. ' I feel therefore I am' is the true mantra.
Milligan creates a believable, exciting world where what is hidden will be brought to light. There's tension, action and of course emotion on every page. Aco's art is sublime. His panelling is often innovative, always stylish. Like Steranko, his lines are smooth and clean. There's a look that recalls Akira and Ghost In The Shell. The art is beautifully embellished by David Lorenzo's inks, his blacks highlighting the tension of the character's faces. Dean White's colours are realistic, his lighting filled with just the right mood. Sal Cipriano continues to provide sturdy, assured lettering. He portrays the inner, emotive voices as well as the colder, outward ones with a pitch-perfect tone. I was surprised by where this book took me. I put it straight on my pull list after reading the first issue. This is gonna be a hit. I can feel it.
Buy AWA comics here and support The Comic Crush. You can buy the trade at Gosh Comics or order it from Bookshop.org