Egg: Hard-Boiled Stories #1 is a rare find in comics these days. First of all, it’s an anthology. Second, every tale is excellent in both story [all written by Eric Skillman] and art [Jorge Coelho, Joe Dellagatta, Dan Duncan, Jhomar Soriano and Connor Willumsen]. Let’s look at the issue…
These Kids Today by Eric Skillman and Connor Willumsen kicks off the issue with a three page story that packs a gut-punch ending. A somewhat older [wiser?] guy decides to hook up with a young babe who’s mad at her boyfriend and looking for a good time. Needless to say, good times ensue… for a bit. I didn’t see the ending coming and that made me love it all the more. I really liked how the line art and colors worked on this story.
Our second tale, Below the Fold teams Eric Skillman with Jorge Coelho in an eight page story about a reporter who needs to break a major story in order to keep her job. Her luck turns when she discovers information that would save her career… but cost her much more.
Next up is Eric Skillman and Jhomar Soriano teaming to bring us Uninvited, a three page tale of suspense. Kate Carville is the lead prosecutor against a mob boss in a trial set to start the following morning. Kate is home alone prepping for the case when she hears someone in her house.
As I was reading this short tale I was thinking that I’d really like to see Skillman and Soriano team for a graphic novel. I was thrilled to learn that they did [Liar’s Kiss] and that it would live up to my high expectations [future review coming].
The Real Thing [by Eric Skillman and Dan Duncan] explores what happens when a con man set to score big discovers that a female con artist is also working the same guy. Can they trust each other so that everyone, except the mark, comes out ahead?
Our final tale is Spared by Eric Skillman and Joe Dellagatta. It’s every woman’s nightmare to be traveling alone on a deserted road and for the car to breakdown. That’s exactly what happens to Kristen. Perhaps things are looking up when a stranger stops to help. Perhaps not. I foresaw a couple of different endings to this tale, but not the one that Skillman and Dellagatta delivered. THAT is the sign of good storytelling. Special props for the coloring of this story as well.
So there you have it. Five excellent crime stories by Eric Skillman and five talented artists. If you’ve read this far, then Egg: Hard-Boiled Stories #1 should find a home in your collection.