C.O.W.L is the Chicago Organized Workers League. The story takes place in the 1960′s in the good old Windy City. I will have to admit, this city alone being in the title made me add it to my pull for the week. Born and raised in the Chicago ‘burbs, this was a definite for me to read. Then after I saw that Kyle Higgins was writing it, I knew it had to be something special. I became familiar with Kyle after he appeared on Kevin Smith’s Fatman on Batman. I found out that he grew up around me and he wrote the New 52 Nightwing books. What’s not to like about him. Time to check out this creator owned project.
The book immediately starts off with some action. First thing I thought of was that the character Blaze had a uniform that reminded me of the pre New 52 Nightwing. Then you see the rest of the characters get introduced as they are using their abilities to fight this villain that is flying through the air. After getting a glimpse of this flying villain, HE reminds me of Firefly although he is not using fire as a weapon. That’s just me being a Batfan. 8 pages worth of action before we hit the opening credits. The map of Chicago and all the neighborhoods made me smile. Next is where the book takes a different turn. We start to see the characters almost as normal human beings. The are investigating the crimes, the chief is talking in press conferences. It’s like C.O.W.L. is a form of police but with superpowers and superhero like abilities. The talks of taking down the villain/criminal as being the last of a gang of 6 has put thought into the heads of some as if C.O.W.L. wouldn’t be needed anymore.
I can see this book going in many different directions but so far I am intrigued. I enjoyed the location of choice! It was cool to hear street names and neighborhoods I was familiar with. I am not sure what the reasoning behind the time era was. Might not make too much of a difference. May be due to lack of technology and to keep an old school feel to it but who knows exactly. Being almost like a cop drama on television, I can see this being played out like a sort of action drama. I have high hopes for this book. Reading the letter from Kyle at the end of the book shows how much he cares for the story. The art in the book is a bit odd to me. I can’t quite hit the nail on the head as far as of it is the colors that are throwing me off or the pencils. I might get used to it but it’s not my favorite style. This is a book I am in it for the story by far.
C.O.W.L. #1 - Motivation
Story by: Kyle Higgins and Alec Siegel
Art by: Rod Reis
Letters by: Troy Peteri
Cover: Trevor McCarthy
Amazing Fantasy Variant: Douglas Klauba
Beach Ball/Laughing Ogre Variant: Rod Reis
