THE STRANGE TALENT OF LUTHER STRODE

THE STRANGE TALENT OF LUTHER STRODE

Writer: Justin Jordan

Artist: Tradd Moore

$14.99, Image Comics, 144 pgs.

ISBN 978-1607065319

If you're a comics reader of a certain age, you probably remember those "Master the secrets of the martial arts!" ads that used to run in 1970s and '80s comic books. Now, imagine those ads were legitimate gateways to ancient fighting secrets: hidden lore that could actually transform the right practitioner into a superhuman killing machine. With me so far? Now imagine that mastering these skills put you and your loved ones in the worst danger conceivable, and you'll have the basic premise of The Strange Talent of Luther Strode.

It's an intriguing high concept, and the book's creative team delivers on all that potential with skill and finesse. The dialogue is crisp, the pacing is flawless, and the action...well, the action is fast, furious, and some of the most violent you're likely to encounter in an American graphic novel. The Strange Talent of Luther Strode is not for the squeamish, but if you've got the stomach for it, it's a terrific read, as emotionally and intellectually satisfying as it is visceral.

TIP FOR LIBRARIANS: For the love of all that is holy, do not let your tech services people slap a YA sticker on this thing.

READERS ADVISORY NOTES: If you've got adult patrons who appreciate the work of creators such as Mark Millar and Garth Ennis (and the nastier works of Warren Ellis), there's a good chance they'll appreciate this, too.

CONTENT ADVISORY: Adult language, strong graphic violence

Review©2014, C. Michael Hall.