Nemesis Get's a "G" for Graphic

Blood, blood and more blood cover the pages of the newest comic by duo Mark Millar and Steve McNiven. Though they have toned down the storyline to pump up the violence, their latest comic series "Nemesis" definitely shines light on their darker sides.

From the opening scene to the last page, blood splatters are not hard to come by and, if the Joker is the one of the most despicable comic book villains of all time, Nemesis has proved himself to be a close second.

Nemesis, the main and only villain in this comic book series, decides to go on a killing frenzy and his victims of choice are cops. He targets cops all over Asia and finally made his way to America when readers are finally introduced to him. Decked out in white, he makes it very obvious he wants to be known for what he does and wishes nothing but pain and suffering to those he is out to get. Nemesis' next target is Chief Blake Morrow, located in Washington D.C., a man as tough as Nemesis.

Both certainly give off a great good-versus-evil collaboration, but this comic simply takes it to a different level. With quick witty dialogue and a chuckle on every page, the comic definitely keeps its readers hooked. From issue to issue, Nemesis' plots and shenanigans seem to top themselves, becoming more disgusting and elaborate throughout the course of the series making it sure to keep readers guessing until the very last page.

Nemesis is a rich man with fast cars, endless resources and a sleek costume. If Batman had decided to be the Joker, Nemesis would be the end-result. Nemesis is just as smart and cunning as Batman, which is why he has been able to get away with his crimes for as long as he has. The level of sadism and remorselessness Nemesis possesses rival the Joker's, if not topping it. It would be easy to let a concept like this get away from you, but Millar and McNiven are able to center it and focus on what is going on behind the victims, allowing readers to peek into the past.

This comic book uses no effect bubbles, which is hard to even notice due to the amount of detail put into each effect. At one point, a plane is crashed into a gasoline truck and, after getting past the devastating event taking place, the readers can view the artwork and really see how gorgeous the comic really is. From time to time, it would have been nice if McNiven would have lightened up on the wrinkles on some of the older men's faces though. Sometimes it comes off as if he was thinking "they might not know this man is older than the Earth itself, let me add a few more wrinkles."

The story itself has a few good twists and is filled with obscenities, and even double obscenities that had to have been thrown in for a chuckle. The twist ending is so quick it may take a re-read and a Wikipedia search to understand the entire concept. Trying to understand how Millar comes up with some of the strange and sick ways Nemesis thinks is one of the reasons this comic is such a page turner. From the first page, readers are pulled in trying to figure out what his deal is and why he is so incredibly insane.

While the comic is attractive enough with beautiful detailing and amazing scenery, the story is put on a backburner and pulled out at the last minute. Thankfully, Nemesis' antics help carry the story along, allowing for the readers to become engrossed, overall making for such a memorable character who really makes this piece incredibly interesting and worth reading. 

"Nemesis" receives a 7 out of 10.