RASPUTIN #1 Review

Russia’s favorite mystical madman final has a title of his own — and so far, it ain’t too shabby.

Here’s the official word from Image:

DRACULA AT DOWNTON ABBEY! In one night Rasputin was poisoned, beaten, stabbed, shot in the head, drowned, then tied up and thrown in a frozen river. It was really bad timing. His beard was just coming in nicely. New York Times bestselling author ALEX GRECIAN and fan favorite artist RILEY ROSSMO reunite for the first time since their critically acclaimed series PROOF!

Alex Grecian returns to comics this month with the launch of Rasputin, a quasi historically accurate exploration of the mystic-healer-turned-political insider who’s shenanigans (many claim) helped speed up the fall of the Russian Monarchy. While it’s doubtful that Grecian’s new series will seek to unpack the truth behind Rasputin’s checkered image, what is clear is this: Rasputin #1 is full of magic, ghosts, and gorgeous art. The plot to issue #1 is actually paper thin — Rasputin is served a glass of wine, and takes a few moments of quiet reflection before taking the first sip. In those moments, however (and as a testament to Grecian’s complete faith in Riley Rossmo’s visual storytelling) the dialogue drops off and all we get is visual backstory — snippets of Rasputin’s life, and set-up for the next issue to come. It’s a quick read, yes, but visually charming.

Riley Rossmo has, of course, worked with Grecian in the past and this might explain why he feels so comfortable with illustrating a script with so few words. Rossmo’s style, which has always been haunting and beautiful, lends itself nicely to anything that’s, well, strange. And so Rasputin #1 is a perfect fit. Check-out how Rossmo plays with panel shots here — he zooms and pulls back effortlessly, adding surprising depth to even the simplest scenes.

Rasputin #1 offers a very gentle start to this new title — short on words and action, yes, but loaded up with kick-ass art.