Renato Jones: The One % #1 Review
Meet Renato Jones- a one man army against the one percent
By Nolan P. Smith
When I first saw that Kaare Kyle Andrews would be doing a creator owned series over at Image Comics, I instantly knew this would be a sure-fire purchase. If you aren’t familiar with Andrews, you are missing out on one of the most talented comic book creators to hit the four-color page. I remember his work way back for the Marvel Mangaverse, giving us an amazingly different take on Spider-Man, and more recently, his work on Iron Fist was top-notch all the way. With Renato Jones, this series is written, drawn, colored, created and owned by Andrews, which is pretty unheard of in the modern comic book era. So how is Renato Jones?
If you can find a copy on the shelves, then you will know that this book kicks down the door and takes no prisoners.
This mature readers series debuts strong as we meet Renato Jones and see his one man attack on the one percent-the rich, privileged types that treat people like objects, as everything and everyone can be bought. We see Jones, who surprisingly, is grouped into that one percent group, but constantly defies and goes against everything that’s wrong with these so-called leaders. We get a very dark and gritty look into Renato’s past, which fuels his hate driven mission. Known as the Freelancer when he dons his mask, Renato violently dispatches everything that is wrong with this social class.
The artwork here is outstanding: Andrews is a master of the craft when it comes to the comic book medium, and this issues fully enforces that notion. His use of stark contrast, of the panels and how to manipulate them best to fit the energy and speed of this high-octane ride: the man knows how to tell a story and how to do it best within the art form of sequential art. An extremely violent and dark romp, this book blows a hole through any expectations and raises the bar to the heavens.
Easily one of Andrews finest creations, it’s no wonder why this issue has already sold out. The story of one man against the wealthy and powerful is always an intriguing one, but with Renato Jones, it’s a must read for fans of retribution earned through a blaze of vengeance. One of my favorite debut issues in recent memories, go track down Renato Jones #1 if you can: whether by printed edition or digital, you won’t be disappointed.
Rating: 10 out of 10.
This review was created in conjunction with QBC Toys and More, a local comic book and collectible shop located in Victorville, CA. Featuring new comic books every week, collectibles, action figures, original artwork, and more, QBC has something for the pop culture lover in us all. You can find them on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/QBCToysandMore/.
