Writer/Artist: Chuck Dixon, Butch Guice, Rick Burchett, Eduardo Barreto, Fernando Blanco,
Publisher: DC (Wildstorm), $19.99
Storming Paradise is an alternate history fiction where the US never finished development of the A Bomb and instead took the route of a full invasion of Japan. What follows is a long, bloody, and horrible occupation attempt where neither side is willing to negotiate for peace. Following a few different sub-plots, the series is fairly quick paced as it attempts to cover as much hypothetical ground as it possibly can within the limit of six issues.
Those familiar with Dixon's scripting are used to a fairly compressed and light on dialogue approach. This compliments the subject matter in this case considering the amount of action necessary. Dixon’s strengths have always been in scripting high action comics, so if it’s a fast paced bloody fight you’re looking for then you’ll be pretty happy with this. There’s not really enough room for detailed characterization, especially considering the short time individual characters are allotted in the script. That’s not to say that the characterization is especially shallow, but you’re not going to get too attached to a lot of them during the course of the story.
I’m a fan of Butch Guice’s work and his style and sense of atmosphere compliment Dixon’s pacing perfectly. Barreto, Burchett, and Blanco all contribute great art to the project, and the change between artists doesn’t hinder the story in anyway or interrupt the general flow.
My only real complaint is that it couldn’t be longer. The content leaves much room for fleshing out, and it feels like Dixon may have been pressed to condense as much as he could due to this being a limited series. The ending definitely leaves room for expansion, but it’s doubtful we will get another series any time soon due to conflicts of interest between Dixon and DC Comics.
If you like this then try: Team Zero, War Stories, Enemy Ace, Battler Britton, Garth Ennis' Battlefields
Related Links: Dixonverse
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