Talon #0 Review

Talon #0

by Scott Snyder, James Tynion and Guillem March

Calvin Rose is trying to live a normal life, but he can't because he's being hunted by the Court of Owls! Does Talon #0 manage to craft a good origin and an interesting character? Or does it succumb to the cliched "My parents are dead!" origin and a 2 dimensional character?

It gives me great pleasure to say that Talon is one of the best books I've read this month. Keep in mind, that Scott Snyder is only co-plotting the book. The writing is mostly being helmed by James Tynion, the co-writer of the backup stories in Batman. Earlier this month in Batman #0, Tynion upstaged Scott Snyder with his spectacular backup about the Robins. Tynion continues being AMAZING here in Talon #0, where he creates an origin that manages to make you think. Calvin Rose is a surprisingly interesting character, who struggles to get over the fact that he killed someone. Tynion makes you wonder whether or not the Court of Owls is justified in their mission to "devour" their enemies and criminals. Why? The Court kills both, standard criminals and the innocent people that stand in their way, including children. Do they have the right to kill civilians that oppose what they do, despite how noble their motives are? I also applaud Tynion for writing a GOOD origin for Rose, though it's not great. It strays from typical superhero origin fare, but it doesn't separate itself from the pack that much. The escape sequence is truly intense, and you actually doubt Rose's survival.

Guillem March's art is perfect for this book. He uses a creepy style that slightly mimics that of Frank Quitely's, but puts in a personal touch. March succeeds the most in facial expressions, all conveying the emotions the characters feel, flawlessly.

Talon is an AMAZING book, and my pick for the best comic of the week.

STORY: 4.5/5

ART: 4.5/5

VERDICT: 4.5