Buzzard! #1 Reviewed. Some British underbelly, oik led anti-hero action

Right okay, there’s serious weirdness afoot in the real world. So how about some British underbelly, oik led anti-hero action? Andrea Wolf and Ezequiel Assis are prepared for you and it’s a hell of a distraction.

Setting itself apart from the pack of reckless, gobby youth anti-hero genre, Buzzard! takes some of those best traits and spins it into a chav underworld combined with organised criminal elements. Then adds real grit and throws in a healthy smattering of high action visceral violence. With black and white art, which could not suit better, Buzzard! published by Wolf Cave Comics is a very British anti-hero comic.

So of course, hopefully, anybody is starting to expect with my reviews, let’s start with the art. Ezequiel Assis delivers a monochrome delight. With some incredible ink work throughout, its art to assault the senses in the best way. Ezequiel's art is stunning in its boldness holding superb detail in all aspects. His set-pieces are rich with this detail without being “busy”. He creates a very lived-in and recognisable landscape. Ezequiel's character designs are equally as accomplished. They are particularly strong in regard to main cast figures, feeling like fully fleshed out individualistic studies. Each has a superb style that encapsulates their character from the first sight. Ezequiel's art also holds a very subtle anime edge which lends itself perfectly to the high action moments while also maintaining the story's high pace approach. Once again this helps emphasise those superb details in every panel. With such expertly compiled art, from even just a cursory glance, thanks to Ezequiel, Andrea Wolf has an idealistic foundation for some great storytelling.

Story-wise, Andrea Wolf pulls no punches in his delivery. At breakneck speed, from its very first page, Andrea manages to fully cement the defining characteristics of our lead. By the end of the second page, utilizing just eleven panels, we learn everything we need to about our central character while simultaneously setting a very clear tone for what's to come. It’s impressive to see it done so concisely yet comprehensively. The story centres around the almost stereotypical English chav Erik. Erik is handy enough to be a bit of a gobshite and certainly swaggers with an attitude that would often need defending. It’s an arrogant confidence that spills out through this opening act. He’s a realist patriot, without any edge of nationalism. Those opening panels offer so much in defining Eriks politics, attitude and characteristics, it's superb writing.

The story does not let up from this opening. Eriks “altercation”, judging by his handling of the situation, is just a run of the mill occurrence. On his route to one of his “jobs”. It’s here we get a glimpse of how young Erik really is before our first big jump in the narrative, with the revelation of Erik's boss and the type of work he does. The story follows Eriks “career path”. He meets a more accomplished version of himself in Kal who offers to make a professional of Erik. Erik's first solo outing, however, doesn't quite go to plan. Que a huge left turn plot-wise, which suddenly thrusts a whole new dynamic into the narrative, and sets us up beautifully for further issues.

Buzzard! is a no holds barred sprint through British underground and into interesting sci-fi elements. Fronted by a gobby, sort of endearing chav, it’s a story that at first almost feels familiar before very quickly setting itself apart from the pack. For fans of British underground counter-culture, assassins and a few sci-fi antics, Buzzard! really is the perfect ticket for the ride. Keep your eyes peeled on Wolf Cave Comics Twitter and Facebook pages for the next issue.

Review 4.5/5