Comics can range from uplifting superheroes to terrifying zombie tales, and contain everything in between. Image comics have always tried to capture the unique and emotional stories that reflect the writers themselves, and these books have often turned into mega-hits.
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In January of 2017, Image is releasing a brand new book into comic stores, and it looks to take the emotions, and adventures, to soaring new heights.
GOD COUNTRY, written by Donny Cates (Buzzkill, The Paybacks) and illustrated by Geoff Shaw (Buzzkill), takes the fascinating landscapes of southern Texas, and transforms them into magical scenes of human emotion. It’s a truly unique tale of family, loss, and hope, that looks to become one of Image’s cornerstone books going forward.
The book follows the story of Roy, who’s caught in the middle of his own suffering family. On one hand, he feels the need to take care of his father, Emmett, who has severe Alzheimer’s. The disease has taken a tight hold on Emmett, and he often causes major trouble in the town he lives in.
One the other hand, Roy has to think about his wife and daughter. Janey, his wife, feels that Emmett is too dangerous to be around their family. While she recognizes the man was once Roy’s father, he is now long gone. Their duty should be to protect their daughter, and that means leaving Emmett behind.
This conflict is a deep look at the troubling effects of Alzheimer’s and how it effects a family dynamic. It also show’s how a man’s heart can break when asked to choose between his parents and his children. Being a father can be difficult, but it’s also tough to be a son.
Many comics will skirt around such real and emotional issues, but Donny Cates has always faced them head-on. One of the reasons the author has been successful in the comic industry is his willingness to address issues that most others are afraid to. This gritty edge is what has allowed audiences to connect with his books on a much deeper level.
In an exclusive interview with ComicBook.com, Cates opened up about why this this story explores such delicate subject matter. After revealing a near-death experience in his past, Cates points to that extended struggle with life and death as the motivating factor for GOD COUNTRY.
“I don’t think it’s any surprise that I started writing God Country at the end, right around that time, and I don’t think it’s any surprise that this story is what came out of those two things. That’s why that in the book there’s this old man and there’s this very young girl. They’re like complete, 2 opposite sides of the spectrum. One who had their entire life in front of them, and one who has less in front of him than he does behind him, you know. I think that those 2 experiences, becoming an uncle, and almost dying, I think that those very much informed this entire book.”
What takes GOD COUNTRY to another level is its ability to mix the tragedy of thr real world with the mysticism of magical realms. As the first issue wraps up, readers are introduced to a much bigger universe. Without revealing any spoilers, these last few pages unveil an enormous world for readers to dive into, and sets the stage for an incredible comic run in the coming years.
While the story is an epic tale on its own, GOD COUNTRY wouldn’t have the makings of a hit without the incredible art of Geoff Shaw. Using psuedo-realistic techniques, and the most Texas of colors, Shaw seems to have the only style that could bring this story to life.
Cates himself even mentioned that this book would be impossible without the talents of Shaw.
“I think that beyond the giant spectacle that his shit’s full of, I think he does quiet moments better than anyone. I really do,” Cates said of his artist. “I think that I can write moments for him, that I wouldn’t write for anyone else, because I know he can sell them. It’s the accent.”
All-in-all, this comic holds the subtlety of a broken family dynamic delicately in its hands, while taking readers on an epic adventure full of gods, demons, and everything in between.
In other words, you won’t want to miss it.
GOD COUNTRY is set to hit shelves in January of 2017. Drawing comparisons to American Gods, Southern Bastards, and Reborn, this is one title to add to your pull list. The series will be monthly. with the second issue set to release in February.
