Red One is a satirical look at the struggle between the United States and Russia in the 1970s. If that sounds too bland for you don’t worry because writer Xavier Dorison makes sure to spice this story up with serial killers, ultra-fundamentalist groups, porn and sexy Russian super soldiers.
The Cold War is raging and Russian leaders are becoming more and more worried about the developments taking place in America. They figure that the best way to attack the American psyche is through their affinity for superheroes. Enter Vera, a super sexy Russian Captain America-type. Russia sends their “Winter Solider” to America to undermine their “superhero” (serial killer), named The Carpenter as well as become America’s new favorite hero. You know… like Spider-Gwen.
The Cold War is raging and Russian leaders are becoming more and more worried about the developments taking place in America. They figure that the best way to attack the American psyche is through their affinity for superheroes. Enter Vera, a super sexy Russian Captain America-type. Russia sends their “Winter Solider” to America to undermine their “superhero” (serial killer), named The Carpenter as well as become America’s new favorite hero. You know… like Spider-Gwen.
This story is nutty. I get that it’s satire but certain elements just don’t fit the time and place. Russia is presented as this ultra-liberal utopia. We know this because Vera is involved in a loving poly-amorous relationship. I’m pretty sure that stuff wouldn’t fly in today’s Russia much less in the 70s behind the Iron Curtain. I understand what Dorison is trying to do but I’d be more excepting of these ideas if this was an alternate universe
I’m also not sure why this book needs to take place in the 1970s. The themes of superhero worship, American culture's obsession with sex/porn and the tensions between Russia and America are actually more appropriate in the present day.
The art is excellent. It’s classic Dodson’s cheesecake goodness cranking on all cylinders. The beautiful ink work that really makes me question what is going on with their art over on Princess Leia. I read the second issue of that book right after Red One and it’s clear that there is something not right on that title.
Red One is a beautiful book with a wacky premise. I can only really recommend this to die hard fans of the Dodsons and their exquisite artwork. -Soss
Panel of the Week: Da comrade hot-stuff.
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