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Writer's pictureByron O'Neal

RED WINTER, ISSUE #3

Writer: Michael Gordon

Art: Francisco Munoz

Publisher: Scout Comics

Red Winter, issue #3, cover, Scout Comics, Gordon/Munoz
Red Winter, issue #3, cover, Scout Comics, Gordon/Munoz

WHAT IS IT?

Red Winter is a crime/mystery about a former American detective and his relationship with Russia's seedy, criminal underbelly.


While it is the story of a dirty cop, there's a family theme and a redemption arc that makes it hard to compare it to any one specific piece of media with similar elements.

WHAT'S IT ABOUT?

(Spoilers for previous issues)

Eli Winter is having a terrible day.


He just got his son stabbed and accidentally started a gang war.


He's got to get the hell out of Moscow. But, before he can do that, he's got to get his son patched up so he can survive the trip.


The clock ticks down as the gang violence heats up in this nonstop action thriller!

WHAT WORKS?

  • The devolution into all-out gang war and Winter's own conflict of interest feel so natural, yet inevitable. It makes for a believable, compelling next step in the story.

  • We really see the brutality of the gang war this issue, and it raises the stakes and the tension in the comic. You want Winter and his son to get out of there, and you feel Eli's restlessness and anxiety.

  • The characters all feel distinct from one another. They have their own personalities. Their own motivations. Many have multiple needs at war with each other, creating tension. It's something that's uncommon even for writers who have been in the business for years, and makes Michael Gordon's writing truly stand out.

  • We see how tired Eli is this issue. Munoz & Kalnins expertly depict a close-up of Winter's face, lined with age, bags hanging like bruises under his eyes. You can't help but feel for him.

  • Kalnins's color work is especially impressive this issue: the blue glow of the monitors filling the surveillance van contrasted with the warm yellow of Joseph’s location. The red and yellow page showing the rival gangs getting ready for all-out war. It changes from realistic lighting and color to cinematic to something more, yet it all feels connected, part of a singular style and vision.

  • No crime story is complete without the shady mob doctor, and Red Winter delivers, this issue.

WHAT DOESN'T WORK?

  • As you might expect from a Russian crime comic, there's cursing and violence. Be advised before you consider buying this for any kids.


Red Winter, issue #1, page 8, Scout Comics, Gordon/Munoz
Red Winter, issue #1, page 8, Scout Comics, Gordon/Munoz

WHY SHOULD I READ IT?

Issue #3 is filled with twists and turns that will keep you on the edge of your seat through the entire reading.


But beware! You'll be screaming by the end of the issue, and dying to read the next one.

WHAT DO I READ NEXT?

If you like the writing:

If you like the art:

  • Goth Ghost Girl by BJohn Schlim, Jr., Sergio Quijada, Francisco Munoz & Bernardo Brice

  • Criminal by Ed Brubaker & Sean Phillips

  • Soviet Ghosts by Brentt Harshman & Emilio Utrera

ABOUT THE CREATORS

Michael Gordon – Writer & Co-creator

  • Outlander: Lives in Northern Ireland

  • Before being published by Scout Comics, Red Winter was actually a successful Kickstarter campaign.

Francisco Munoz – Art & Co-creator

  • Outlander: Hails from Mexico

  • Responded to an advertisement Michael Gordon put up for an artist on Red Winter. Gordon met him through that, and they decided to work together on this comic.

Rolands Kalnins – Colors & Book Design

  • Music Lover: Is a fan of metal

  • Outlander: Lives in Latvia

  • Is also a power-lifter

Nikki Sherman – Letters

  • Multitalented: Also writes and illustrates comics

  • Judging by her Twitter feed, she's a big fan of horror film and craft beer

HOW DO I BUY IT?

Red Winter #3 drops September 25th!

Pre-order it from:


The image(s) used in this article are from a comic strip, webcomic or the cover or interior of a comic book. The copyright for this image(s) is likely owned by either the publisher of the comic, the writer(s) and/or artist(s) who produced the comic. It is believed that the use of this image(s) qualifies as fair use under the United States copyright law. The image is used in a limited fashion in an educational manner in order to illustrate the points of the author and not for the purpose of entertainment or substituting the original work. It is believed the use of this image has had no impact on the market value of the original work.

All Scout Comics characters and the distinctive likeness(es) thereof are trademarks of and copyright Scout Comics or their respective owners. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

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