The Couriers: The Complete Series

by Brian Wood, Brett Weldele (Artist), Rob G. (Artist)

Overview

• Collecting the complete four-volume saga, including the prequel graphic novel, Couscous Express, this epic story from 2002-2005 is the hyper-violent, tongue-in-cheek tale of mercenary bike messengers in New York City who do the jobs no one else will: the black market runs, the smuggling, the hits and the double crosses. The Couriers: The Complete Series represents the bulk of creator-writer Brian Wood's (DMZ, Demo, The Massive, The X-Men) early work, with artwork by Rob G (Teenagers From Mars, REPO, Detective Comics) and Brett Weldele (The Surrogates, Southland Tales).

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781607066415
Publisher:	Image Comics
Publication date:	12/25/2012
Pages:	360
Product dimensions:	6.60(w) x 10.10(h) x 1.10(d)
Age Range:	16 Years

Editorial Reviews

Eisner-nominated writer Wood collects the four books of his decade-old series. An action movie in print, the book introduces readers to two freelance couriers for delicate—and often illegal and violent—jobs: hard-core street girl Special, and rich boy turned ace mercenary Moustafa. Despite their bloody line of work, they are charming protagonists, action heroes on the wrong side of the law. There are some lines that the pair will not cross, and they fall into situations where they must protect a small girl from a murderous ex-Red Army general, take revenge on a racist militia, kill a mob boss, and save a family restaurant from violent takeover. While the two are never “good-guys,” readers will have an easy time rooting for them as they shoot their way through the underbelly of New York. Rob G’s art in the first three books is phenomenal; the action practically jumps off the page and into the reader’s imagination, with his stylized blurs and two-page spreads. The fourth story, with art by Weldele in a newsprint style, is a weaker conclusion, but the collection remains an entertaining, R-rated action ride. (Jan.)

Publishers Weekly

This tongue-in-cheek romp about mercenary urban messengers serves up plenty of gunfights and car chases together with good plotting. Street-rat teen Special teams with the younger but precocious Moustafa to work for the baddest crime boss in New York: Johnny Funwrecker, a stringy Chinatown mobster with a cadre of girl bodyguards. Pitting Johnny against the Feds buys our duo their criminal independence, as well as a juvie jail sentence. Later, in their twenties, the pair set up shop as partners, getting dodgy courier gigs via the mysterious shut-in known only as Hot Sauce. Soon, they're again confronting Johnny Funwrecker, who's pursuing a personal vendetta against a little girl—if he can catch her. Special is a wiry, sharp-edged tactician and Moustafa a risk-loving wildcard. There's not much nudity or sex, and unlike many kick-ass heroines, Special is not played for jiggle-appeal. VERDICT Hyperviolent, profane, and quite funny, the series will appeal to adults and older teens who love Hong Kong action films and manga such as Gunsmith Cats. The kinetically edgy black-and-white art keeps the blood less gruesome. Originally published in four volumes, 2002–05.—M.C.

Library Journal