November
21 Review: Dock Walloper #1

Creators: Edward Burns, creator; Jimmy Palmiotti, writer; Siju Thomas, artist

Virgin Comics, 32 pages, color, #2.99. On sale Nov. 28.

So? If you like Martin Scorsese’s recent films ("Gangs of New York," "The Aviator"), this is the comic for you. Based on an idea by actor-director Ed Burns and written by Jimmy Palmiotti (is there anything he doesn’t either write or ink?), this is a gangster tale set in the 1920s about a down on his luck outcast named John Smith, whose enlarged right hand makes him a power to be reckoned with on the mob-infested docks of New York City. Along with Bootsy, his African-American friend from the orphanage, they arrive in the city and attract the attention of mobster Mugsy and his boss, Gentleman Jim. The script is lively enough and Smith and Bootsy are quite likeable, even as it’s obvious they’re going to end up in over their heads before this five-issue miniseries wraps up. It’s solid entertainment, though not as epic as its apparent inspirations. The art is clear and attractive, aided by some really nice color work that evokes the time and place without being overdone. Grade: B+