DMZ<\/strong><\/em>\u00a0is an\u00a0American comic book<\/a>\u00a0series written by\u00a0Brian Wood<\/a>, with artwork by Wood and\u00a0Riccardo Burchielli<\/a>\u00a0(the\u00a0Italian<\/a>\u00a0artist’s first comic book in the\u00a0United States<\/a>). The series is set in the near future, where a second civil war has turned the island of Manhattan into a demilitarized zone, caught between forces of the\u00a0United States of America<\/a>\u00a0and secessionist “Free States”.\u00a0DMZ<\/em>\u00a0is published by\u00a0DC Comics<\/a>\u00a0under their\u00a0Vertigo<\/a>\u00a0imprint<\/a>.[1]<\/a><\/sup>\u00a0The first\u00a0trade paperback<\/a>, entitled\u00a0On the Ground<\/em>,[2]<\/a><\/sup>\u00a0reprints the first five issues of the series; so far ten trade paperbacks have been released.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n The image above is a map of where the book takes place. \u00a0Manhattan island has been turned into a Demilitarized Zone. \u00a0The series main protagonist, Matty Roth, has managed to find himself caught behind the lines and forced to not only find a means to survive but to also report on everything he sees while there. \u00a0The journey he finds himself on slowly turns from survival to self evolution as he is brought in closer with the citizens of Manhattan Island.<\/p>\n Now, I am not a fan of politics or conspiracy theories at all, and that’s not saying that DMZ is all about that, but this book manages to encompass the reader and bring them into the mind of Matty Roth and makes you start to worry about the future of this country. \u00a0If DMZ were to happen in this universe in which we exist in, I have no doubt that the events depicted in this series will come to fruition. It scares me a bit when I think about. \u00a0It also makes me wonder as to which side I would find myself on. \u00a0 It allows you to see not only the viewpoints of those in power but of those without. \u00a0And if for any other reason than that, DMZ in itself, makes for an amazing view of a future that may indeed come to pass. \u00a0This look into the alternate timeline of American history gives the reader an insightful perspective into the Government’s frame of mind as well as the body it governs over. \u00a0I fear what would happen to us should a second Civil War were to happen. \u00a0And DMZ gives me the perfect examples as to why.<\/p>\n The series itself is perfectly constructed in a way that allows the reader to take breaks while reading. \u00a0It is\u00a0separated\u00a0into different sections and story arcs which at times provides a moment for one to “catch their breath”. \u00a0Having been released in 2005, I found myself at times hating this book because I would need to read the previous issue in order to set myself into the\u00a0mind frame\u00a0to read the current issue. \u00a0It was that deep. \u00a0Once you begin reading you find yourself completely wrapped into the blanket of Brian Wood’s imagination and fear the cold that lives outside of it. \u00a0Because of this I would wait for the arcs or storylines to be completed before reading it again. \u00a0In time I had to put DMZ out of my mind completely so as not be upset at having to wait a whole month between issues. \u00a0It wasn’t until a week ago that I heard that the series was ending. \u00a0It was at that point that I began reading it again. \u00a0Because of how detailed and engrossing of a story it is, I started at the beginning instead of where I had left off. \u00a0I wanted to\u00a0immerse myself into DMZ without any interruptions. And was able to do so without even having to try.<\/p>\n I don’t want to give to much away about what this series is about. \u00a0I don’t want to take away from your experience with it. \u00a0What I can say is this. \u00a0This series will live forever in my top 5. \u00a0It is a prime example of why the age of the superhero now has to share headlines with the\u00a0independents. \u00a0You will not find anyone in capes in this series. \u00a0No one will be flying, popping claws, or finding all of their problems solved by reaching into a utility belt. \u00a0That’s not to say there is no action in this book. \u00a0No no no my friend. \u00a0This book is laden with action and bullets flying everywhere. \u00a0It’s just bound to a more realistic set of rules.<\/p>\n What’s really great about this series is that\u00a0in-between\u00a0the main storyline, you will find random issues focusing on some of the side characters. \u00a0It provides a great look into what is happening in the meantime. \u00a0One of my favorite of these “time-out” stories is issue #12. \u00a0This issue comes across as more of a #0 issue in the form of a\u00a0travellers\u00a0guide or map of the city and it’s different factions. \u00a0Another great thing about the series was the ending. \u00a0A lot of great comics now a days, much like tv shows (ie., Firefly), get cancelled before they have a time to wrap up all of their\u00a0story lines. \u00a0Not DMZ. While it never had to fear being put on the chopping block, Brian Wood knew exactly how long he wanted the series to go for and made sure everything was addressed in a nice and orderly fashion without having that rushed feeling. \u00a0It ended as perfectly and it had begun.<\/p>\n Have you got it yet? \u00a0Do you understand what it is I am trying to say? \u00a0I loved this series. \u00a0It’s one of the few out there that brought a tear to my eye. \u00a0Not only because of what happens within the book, but also because I had to admit to myself that it was over. \u00a0Listening to Helpless and Stripsearch by Faith No More while reading the last issue probably didn’t help either. \u00a0But regardless of that, Brian Wood and\u00a0Riccardo Burchielli<\/a>\u00a0did a\u00a0fantastic job with this series and I will be sad to see it go.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
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