Venice #1 Review

Venice #1

writer- Federico De Luca

artist- Federico De Luca

Writer/artist, Federico De Luca takes us back to the dark enchanting world of Venice. Appearing much like renaissance era Venice in our own world, this Venice exudes a romantic mysticism and intrigue. Costumed figures walk the shadowed streets, gondolas move through the city's canals, and mermaids solicit passersby from the murky waters. It's a mysterious place, and murder and mayhem lurk around every corner.

This is the kind of energy Venice #1 generates for me. From the gorgeous cover to the last blood splattered panel, Venice #1 digs down to where the imagination meets emotion ans shakes it up like a soda bottle.

The story is short and simple. A man meets a disguised figure in a dark alley. He's paid this masked man, in advance, to break into the Count's palace and steal an old noble dagger. When the thief hands the man the dagger, the man explains that he saw everything in a dream, long ago. He knew every step the thief took. He knew that he wanted to take something from the Count's gallery for himself, and that the only thing stopping him was an interruption by two

little girls. The man is known for having prophetic visions. He's dreamt the outcome and knows that the dagger has been used by the thief. He also knows that the dagger will once again be soaked in blood.

As a writer, De Luca knows what he's doing, but I think the best part of the story is in his art. He's also the colorist, so his use of color as well as light and shadow help set the best mood for this dark story. With only 15 pages, Venice #1 leaves us hungry for more. We only get to see one short story in a whole city of suspense and sinister characters. And let's not forget the mermaid. If there's one mermaid in Venice, there are probably more mermaids around. In fact, there are probably other mystical creatures wandering the streets and canals of this beautiful historical city. I'm hoping Federico De Luca has another issue of Venice in the works. It would be nice if he could give us more art, more colors, and more story. Stretch those 15 pages to 26 and hit us every month with a new tale or a storyline using the elements already introduced.

Thanks go out to Bluewater Productions for publishing this book. It's a beautiful addition to their library. Even though this book is an issue #1, I don't know if there are any plans to publish more. I hope so. If not, I'm still glad I was able to read this one and you will be, too. You can find it online where the best comics are sold.