Writer- Fraser Campbell

Artist- Lautaro Capristo

One of the perks of being a reviewer of comics, is the access to advance copies of books. It’s a nice feeling when you can read a story before most other nerds and fanboys, knowing weeks ahead if a favorite character lives or dies. In truth, the best benefit is making contacts on various social media platforms, and getting to check out the really small press stuff out there. Sleeping Dogs is the latest comic from Scottish writer and Twitter laugh factory Fraser Campbell, and here are my thoughts on it.

Malcolm Gillis is a beaten down man trying to get by as a costumed mascot at a comic shop in Glasgow, Scotland. As the story begins, Malcolm learns his son, who had been wrapped up in the local drug scene has been murdered. Batton is the local crime boss, who rules the town from his high-rise apartment complex, and in Mal’s eyes is responsible. The cops are in his pockets and the locals are too afraid to confront him in fear of his wrath. Malcolm decides to live up to the symbolism his costume represents and take action against the cancer rooted in his community. Sleeping Dogs wears its influences on its sleeves, from the Michael Caine revenge thriller Harry Brown, to the final act, reminiscent of The Raid: Redemption. It is essentially a straightforward story of one man putting a stop to the tiresome violence his world is wrapped up in. Along the way, he rediscovers what being a hero is all about.

Campbell manages to squeeze a ton of character development into what is a one issue story. Artist Lautaro Capristo’s style is visually comparable to Jason Latour’s of Southern Bastards fame, as he handles character moments with as much finesse as ultra violence. A multi panel sequence flashing between the final battle and softer moments in the past between father and son tells a complete story in a couple of pages. Capristo’s pencils sell the weariness shared by the people who inhabit this town, as much as Campbell’s dialogue.

So yet again, I get to read a great book, ahead of most people. Hopefully when Cabal Comics releases Sleeping Dogs out to the world, you, intrepid reader, will get your hands on a copy from this team of relative unknowns. In the meantime, I stress that you check out new talent in comics in any place you can find them. Kickstarter, Twitter, wherever they may be. Until next time, keep reading!

5 Mondos of Five