BEST SHOTS EXTRA: POTTER'S FIELD #1

**MattBrady** · 06-12-2007, 08:35 AM

Potter’s Field #1 (of 3)
Writer: Mark Waid
Artist: Paul Azaceta
BOOM! Studios
Reviewed by: Jeff Marsick

Newsarama Note: This miniseries was originally announced as John Doe.

Hart Island off the western end of Long Island is where New York buries its nameless dead. Called Potter’s Field, it’s the final destination of suicides, victims of drug crimes, stillborns, infants, and anyone else without identification whose expiration date has passed without connection to cause, culprit, or claimant. These are the unfortunate many who pass into the beyond wrapped in a shroud of anonymity, six feet under a nondescript marker that will forever identify them only by a number. For the enigmatic man known only as John Doe, however, this veritable Bermuda Triangle of human existence is unacceptable, and he wages a campaign to find the truth and eventually a name that he can chisel into their stone.

In this issue we meet John Doe, typical agent of mystery in the noir genre: black leather jacket, perma-shades, man of few words but fast with his hands. He’s out to find the identity of a Jane Doe, #36906, who recently took up residence in Potter’s Field. What we discover is that Mr. Doe has a legion of loyalists, people in various occupations that he goes to for information to suss out clues. It’s a grand-scale groupthink where the members of this exclusive club know little to nothing about their CEO, and even less about each other. When he propositions a new member at the end of the issue, I’m reminded of a favorite line from Daredevil: “I don’t do favors…I collect debts.” What we learn about Doe doesn’t come from panel upon panel of soliloquy or introspection. It comes, instead, piecemeal from conversations from his conspirators as they ruminate on him or through one-sided eavesdropping, which serves only to heighten the mystery of the man.

One of the things I liked about this book is how nothing is a throw-away. Pay attention to the noise in the background, because it has a way of tying in to the grand scheme of things. Like when Doe’s pursuit eventually leads him to the loud-mouthed and caustic Nancy Grace-type, which provides a nice closure of events.

I have been waiting for this book ever since I met Azaceta a few months ago and saw a couple pages he had drawn, back when the tentative title was John Doe, and this was definitely worth the wait. Waid, always an impressive writer, has with this issue put on a demonstration of his storytelling muscle. He’s created a character who is tough, mysterious, and is on a path to do a job that no one else wants to. John Doe reminds me of the television shows like Sable, The Equalizer, and in a small measure, the short-lived John Doe. That’s a compliment and not in any way implying repetition. In a genre where originality is an endangered species, Waid has stepped outside the box and brought back not only a unique idea, but a distinctive style that serves it well.

And the artwork? Well, I’ve been a fan of Azaceta’s since Grounded, and in the noir style I think he shines the best. He deserves a spot in the line-up of usual suspects next to Michael Lark, Sean Phillips, and Alex Maleev. It is great work and even with the laudable writing, the book would suffer without him.

Potter’s Field is going to be the next big thing, one of the best things this creative team has ever been involved with. I hope it fans the flames of the noir genre and brings more intriguing titles of its kind to the comic shop. Fans of Criminal or Cross Bronx don’t dare miss out on this series. Highly recommended.

The first issue of Potter’s Field is due in stores in August, and can be pre-ordered now.

FChamberlain · 06-12-2007, 09:11 AM

I'll give it a shot based on an interesting premse and Waid's connection to it.

The Guvnor · 06-12-2007, 09:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jeff Marsick

Potter’s Field is going to be the next big thing, one of the best things this creative team has ever been involved with. I hope it fans the flames of the noir genre and brings more intriguing titles of its kind to the comic shop. Fans of Criminal or Cross Bronx don’t dare miss out on this series. Highly recommended.

Great review and I think that quote should be more than enough of a selling point. I must remember to look out for this one.

EmeraldGuy32 · 06-12-2007, 09:14 AM

oh yes am I getting this. What's the price point? 3.99?

FChamberlain · 06-12-2007, 09:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EmeraldGuy32

oh yes am I getting this. What's the price point? 3.99?

Yep. 3.99 and in the most recent Previews solicitations.

Eric Palicki · 06-12-2007, 09:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FChamberlain

Yep. 3.99 and in the most recent Previews solicitations.

I'd probably pay that much to read Waid's grocery list...I can't wait for this!

Zenstrive · 06-12-2007, 10:22 AM

Hey, it has Mark Waid! Gotta see if it adds more to the name!

Blackbeard · 06-12-2007, 10:27 AM

Wow, what a great premise. I'm in.

pazaceta · 06-12-2007, 10:27 AM

Thanks Jeff!

I'm really proud of my work on this book and I think Mark really knocked it out of the park. I was big fan of Mark's writing before the book and now having worked with him I can honestly say he's amazing. Please check it out because it really is an awesome series. Also here's my blog if anyone wants to check out soem behind the scenes.

http://lazypalooza.blogspot.com

Thanks!

P.

tdaniel · 06-12-2007, 12:07 PM

Great review and I can't wait for some fresh Azaceta work after the awesome Grounded and Talent.. Interested readers of Paul's art, please check out Grounded online here at Newsarama in a daily serialized format. Fan's of Heroes might dig Grounded as well for it's fun treatment of capes and costumes.

http://comics.newsarama.com/grounded/

Cully Hamner · 06-12-2007, 12:19 PM

Both of these guys are freakin' brilliant. I'll buy it sight unseen, and that's a fact.

Oeming · 06-12-2007, 12:32 PM

Paul is an amazing writer, I truly admire his work and am in constant awe of him.

He's cute too

JonahsWhale · 06-12-2007, 02:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Oeming

Paul is an amazing writer, I truly admire his work and am in constant awe of him.

He's cute too

As are you, Mikey.

On both counts

pazaceta · 06-12-2007, 04:01 PM

I might believe you Mike if I was a "writer". You dont know me at all do you?!

P.

JonahsWhale · 06-12-2007, 04:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pazaceta

I might believe you Mike if I was a "writer". You dont know me at all do you?!

P.

Maybe he just saw Cross Bronx mentioned in the article :P

CoreyB · 06-12-2007, 06:12 PM

Got it pre-ordered. (Or I will once I submit my order, but it's already selected.) I remember being intrigued by this when it was first announced as John Doe.

Speaking of which, did the John Doe Preview book ever come out?

Cully Hamner · 06-12-2007, 07:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pazaceta

I might believe you Mike if I was a "writer". You dont know me at all do you?!

P.

We have to make an allowance for how much Mike had had to drink when he typed that, Paul.

Mark Waid · 06-12-2007, 07:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cully Hamner

We have to make an allowance for how much Mike had had to drink when he typed that, Paul.

If I had a nickel....

JonahsWhale · 06-12-2007, 08:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mark Waid

If I had a nickel....

You'd retire? I wouldn't be okay with that, BTW. Naw - we need to keep you poor and writin'