Marksmen TPB
Story by David Baxter and Dave Elliott
Script by Dave Baxter
Art by Javier Aranda, Jessica Kholine and Garry Leach
Cover by Tomm Coker
Image Comics
Release Date: May 2, 2012
Cover Price: $15.99

There is a delicate balance between interjecting a message subtly into a story and becoming overly preachy. In some ways, a compelling story has to contain substance and a level of depth to justify itself to readers. On the other hand, when an author has his characters shout from a podium about a hot button issue, it can become tiresome very quickly. Throughout this entire comic, Marksmen walked that line between tactful narrative and evangelization. The creative team behind this comic is enormous, so I can see why some ideas may come off stronger than others. The problem is that, when you are dealing with a comic of this scope, a cohesive tone is paramount. Marksmen would be an incredible and fun comic, if only it would stop telling us what bad people we are.

Marksmen, Issues #1 and #2
Written by David Baxter and Dave Elliott
Art by Javier Aranda, Jessica Kholine and Garry Leach
Cover by Tomm Coker
Image Comics
Release Dates: Issue #1, July 20, 2011; Issue #2, August 24, 2011
Cover Price: Issue #1, $1.00; Issue #2, $2.99

Today’s society is so dependent on fossil fuels, it is hard to imagine a world without them. We have been trying to develop alternative fuels for years, but the vast majority of the world still depends on oil to maintain their everyday lives. Apart from the environmental implications, alternative fuels are being sought out because one day, there may not be any more oil for us to burn up. When that day comes, how we will carry on? What will happen to American culture as we know it? This is the kind of stark future depicted in Image Comics Marksmen, written by David Baxter with art by Javier Aranda, Garry Leach, and Jessica Kholine.