Sachs & Violens #1

Somewhat disgruntled with both Marvel and DC Comics, George Perez began submitting proposals to various small publishers for original properties. 

Let’s say first that Sach & Violens is NOT for kids.

While sex and violence are not shown outright they are very much a part of this series.  There’s plenty of violence, disturbing scenes and sex.  They are carefully hidden in shadows and innuendo but they are there nonetheless.

Part of the Heavy Hitters Epic Comics line the comic book series tackles sex trafficking and snuff films-not your normal comic book fare.

Juanita Jean Sachs is a nude model and adept at martial arts and combat. Ernie Violens is an X-Special Ops Vietnam Vet with a talent for violence and weapons.  They join forces to take down the perpetrators of a series of killings of models in snuff films.

The first issue sets up the scenario perfectly.  The graphics by Perez move the story along at a nice pace and through the clever use of shadow and overlapping images the subject matters of the comic book are clearly defined without the use of obscene or gory images.

Sure, there is some blood, scuffles and ominous images but both the author and artist took special care to discuss and portray the subjects without showing the actual acts.  No easy task.

The story is a tight and taunt thriller with well-defined characters set in the seamy underworld of pornography, snuff films and the filthy underbelly of society.

Remarkably the creative duo generates some empathy for a few of the characters, especially the victims--despite their choice of lifestyle.

Bad guys are portrayed as individuals who do not consider themselves to be evil.  Good guys have their flaws yet persevere to bring criminals to justice by whatever means possible.

The story is an odd mixture of living on the edge and occasionally delving into the gray areas of morals.  Ultimately right and wrong are clearly defined but not without a few bumpy roadblocks along the way.