The Sheriff of Babylon

Publisher: Vertigo/DC

Writer: Tom King

Artist/Colorist: Mitch Gerads

Synopsis

In 2003 Chris Henry, a former police officer turned military contractor, helps to train a new Iraqi police force in Baghdad.

Thoughts

The odd thing about the Sheriff of Babylon is that its fast paced story, and gritty art style, remind me of a down and dirty, on the quick grindhouse style ‘70’s crime film. Only Sheriff is far sophisticated and realistic then grindhouse films.

The edginess that permeates Sheriff is truly brought about by the fact that this story takes place in a ‘real world’ situation. In truth, this could be a true story, happening right now, and we would never know it. That is realism.

That is the biggest compliment I can give Sheriff of Babylon, it feel realistic and authentic. From the flow of the story, to the style of art, to the characters, it draws you in to this world and makes you part of it.

Chris, our protagonist, is a nicely rendered character. From the moment we meet him, we know he’s a good guy, in Iraq to help people, but frustrated about it not going quite right. A former cop, Chris has come to Iraq to help train a new police force.

He is placed into an awkward situation when one of his trainees is found “shot up.” He doesn’t know or remember the man, Ali, but feels duty bound to find out what happen. His instincts and training as a cop kick in, but also the sincere feeling that he is here “To help these people.”

There is more going on in Babylon then just a murder. A much large political game for control of Iraq is being played, one which may confront our good man, Chris, head on.

As with any good crime or mystery story, these first two issues are filled with tension, crime, mysterious people and a heavy dose of dread. As the reader, we are privy to more information than Chris is. Because of this, by the end of issue two, we are left feeling that something is going to happen that may have a lasting, and changing effect on Chris.

This demands further reading.

FINAL THOUGHTS
The Sheriff of Babylon is the crime book on the shelves right now. Must Read.

RATING: 7.5