Review by Frank Plowright

There are crime thrillers so good that if you have the option there’s no point in messing around with the trades when you can head straight for the complete hardcover edition. Such a project is A Righteous Thirst for Vengeance. It’s cleverly written and immaculately drawn and you’re best off knowing as little as possible about what’s happening and just experiencing as events unfurl. Writer Rick Remender has a considerable track record with crime stories and action thrillers, while artist André Lima Araújo’s precision, delicacy and attractive storytelling has elevated every project he’s drawn. You can trust these men to deliver a quality experience.

The opening chapter introduces us to Mr. Wen, although it’s fair time before we learn that’s his name and a few chapters more until it’s revealed he’s Sonny Wen. Visually based by Araújo on Benedict Wong, the actor probably best known for roles in Doctor Strange and other Marvel films, Mr. Wen is seen travelling to a destination without us knowing why. He needs to take buses, and is observed as a generally polite and caring person in what’s a beautifully drawn ramble through an ordinary life ending with one hell of a shock.

It’s suggested in the second chapter that Mr. Wen may have more sinister intentions as we follow him meeting a colleague for a joint venture that becomes unpleasant. Very unpleasant. Frankly Mr. Wen has got himself in rather a mess, and he’s associating with people worth leaving town to avoid.

Remender’s pacing is immaculate. He starts with quiet and mundane and gradually escalates the activity until chapter four is a desperate chase. There’s a brief interlude before violence resumes even more brutally than before, another moment of seeming peace and a great epilogue in which righteous vengeance is suitably served. However, the title is clever, and whose vengeance is an issue throughout.

Given this is American comics, it would be expected that Araújo copes with action, but look at the beauty with which he depicts an ordinary day, or the considered landscapes in rural areas, all handled with a delicate thin line. Chris O’Halleran’s colouring is equally thoughtful. Assorted character and design sketches, script to art, and promo pages are supplied as extras.

This is stunner of a graphic novel, and if this version is too pricey you should definitely have Volume 1 and Volume 2 in standard paperback.