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![Vertigo POP Bangkok -1 [of 4]](../../images/reviews/july03/popbangkok1.gif)
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Vertigo
POP Bangkok
Bangkok Calling
1[of 4] /JULY/2003
[Mature Readers]
Publisher: Vertigo/DC Comics
Writer: Jonathan Vankin
Pencils: Giuseppe Camuncoli
Inks: Shawn Martinbrough
Colors: Hi-Fi
Letters: Comic Craft
Price: $2.95 US/R32.00 SA
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The Vertigo POP! Series has been getting all kinds
of varying acclaim as it has gone from strength to strength since
its inception. The title contains a number of ‘short stories’
in the form of a group of mini-series and takes a look at varying
cultures around the world. A look at London was the last in the
series and this month we get a look at Bangkok.
The story follows the unfortunate tale of two sisters caught up
in prostitution. One of them is set free and determined to help
the other escape. The indentured sister is about to be taken to
the U.s. as an elaborate plan unfolds to use two travelling American
citizens to smuggle her across.
This comic is quite obviously a mature reader’s line
and due to sexual themes and volatile language is not suitable for
younger readers. The main narrator in the story is ‘Tuesday’,
a twenty-something, third-world rights activist freak. She and her
‘boyfriend’, Marshall, arrive on a plane from the U.S.
and begin to explore Bangkok.
The story is both believable, real and an eclectic tale of East
meets West. From buying Elephants on street corners to
staying in seedy hotels and exploring Bangkok’s sordid sex-trade,
this story encompasses the differences and experiences of travelling
to such a foreign locale.
There is as much humour as there is factual interest
within the covers of this book. A great mix of storytelling to truly
involve us in a foreign culture as well as tell a genuinely interesting
story. For all the comedy that we see in the clash of cultures there
is also a really dark and real undertone to the main storyline.
Vankin has written a very well rounded first issue with a great
little hook at the end to keep readers interest peaked.
The art by Giuseppe Camuncoli suits the story well
and his angular line style helps to represent the diverse mix of
race type seen throughout the book. The locations are just perfect,
from brothels to the gritty streets, from harbours and boats to
sleazy motels, everything seems to be highly representative of the
real thing. This is a showcase of Bangkok in all its glory,
it truly feels like a reality based travel programme showing the
wrong side of the tracks.
The artwork and story were a breath of fresh air
and they kept me absorbed in a far-off culture and whisked me away
from everyday life for a good half-hours solid reading. This is
what good comics should do, I loved exploring Bangkok along with
Tuesday and Marshall, I can’t wait for the next issue as this
series looks set to be a good one.
Score 9/10
Reviewed By:Iain Duncan
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