I can’t praise Jeff Lemire enough for what is nothing shy of an immediately captivating tale of sacrifice and heart ache, isolation and frustration. It’s about life in exchange for death. It’s about fallen heroes, all but forgotten by a world that once loved them. It’s about The Black Hammer, the one who gave his life so that Abraham Slam, Golden Gail, Barbalien, Colonial Weird, Talky Walky, and Madame Dragonfly could continue to live… continue to breathe.

This is a tale about a young woman, once proud to be the daughter of the Hero of the Streets, and her mission to find those heroes long forgotten. For she knows, in her heart, that they’re out there… somewhere.

Dramatic enough for you?

Honestly, Black Hammer is an amazing book that instantly pulls the reader into a world occupied by polarizing and infectious personalities. Their conflicts are unique but united as a group. Their opinions on their state of existence differ, but there’s a familial beauty to this group that leaves us comic geeks falling in love. It’s an amazing piece of work.

Dean Ormston’s artwork is also perfect. A throwback to a simpler age, Ormston’s got variety in his hand, but he’s decorated this story the way it should be, the way a 50s science fiction film might look on page. And in some ways, that’s kind of what the story is: a science fiction experience lived by a handful of heroes of no use today, trapped in a one horse town with little to do… other than survive.

Lemire, coupled with Ormston deliver what has to be recognized as one of the most inspired Dark Horse titles to ever see release. Ever. That’s a powerful statement, but you don’t find the perfect book very often.

Look into issue #1 of Black Hammer right here.

Rating: 5/5