DMZ #61

Written by Brian Wood
Art by Shawn Martinbrough

When 'Free States Rising', the two-parter that has looked back at the time leading to the demilitarization of New York City began last issue, I wondered if the lead character was going to be someone we knew.  This issue still doesn't name him, but it becomes pretty clear to anyone who has been reading the title for a while just who he is.

This chapter has our still-nameless protagonist chafing against the decentralized structure of the Free States Movement, which can't really be called an army anymore.  It seems that decisions are being made in a consensus way, and the FSA has stalled their advance on the Jersey Shore.  Our hero (for lack of a better word) finds this lack of momentum frustrating, and takes it upon himself to begin the invasion.  Putting together a small group, he storms the Holland Tunnel.

It's interesting that it has taken Wood until the fifth and final year of his long-running series to begin to examine the events and politics that led to his status quo.  What's even more interesting is the extent to which this stuff hasn't mattered in the life of Matty Roth and his friends.  Still, I like having the big picture, and appreciate this look back at things.  Especially when Shawn Martinbrough is providing the art, although I will be happy to see Riccardo Burchielli back next month.