It was only natural that Howard Chaykin would eventually do a Vertigo book. In the days when there was no such thing as an adult oriented title, he was pushing the boundaries on the kind of material that could be presented in four color format. When the independent revolution began, he was there with Cody Starbuck. When the 80’s brought a wider audience for “alternative” comics, he created American Flagg,which was arguably his best work. Where American Flagg took place in the cynical future, American Century, his new series for DC, takes place in the equally cynical view of the 1950’s. Although the setting is completely different, the tone of the series matches his earlier work.
It’s protagonist is Harry Block, an American ex-patriot hiding out in Guatamala. Just as Harry gets comfortably involved with a gun smuggler, revolution breaks out with the American CIA and Russian KGB on hand to stir up the locals into a bloody revolt. As Harry not only was flying contraband for the revolutionaries, he also winds up with an important key that was intended for Rosa DeSantiis, the popular wife of the current Guatamalan President. This story, collected from the first four issues of the series, unfolds steadily, but carefully. A large case of characters includes so many double crossers, you will most likely want to keep notes. As is the case with many revolutions, many different sides have their own motivations for changing the government.
Chaykin’s comic work is always cynical and biting. American Century is no exception. Harry Block is not meant to be likable, just less unlikable then the villains. Everyone is double crossing everyone else and the violence is brutal and shocking. It has been a trend in comics to push the envelope of violence and sexual content in books aimed at older readers. I’m not a particularly big fan of this trend myself. I abandoned Preacher when the material seemed to rely on shock value for its’ appeal. There is definitely an interesting story within American Century. The plot is thick and involved, and Chaykin is taking his time to lay out the confusing plot in a careful and steady manner. References to anatomical and procreative functions abound, as does some rather nasty violence. this is a book that is most certainly not only not for children, but not for mild mannered peace lovers like myself as well. For comic fans who are don’t mind Chaykins brutal approach, American Century proves rewarding with a well laid out conspiracy of political intrigue. Just don’t leave the book lying around where your Aunt Gertie can find it.
Originally Reviewed September 28th, 2001