In Review: Ricky Rouse Has A Gun

Ricky Rouse Gets A Gun

 

By Jorg Tittel (Writer) & John Aggs (Artist)
Publisher: SelfMadeHero
Limited Edition Hardcover Out Now: Buy Signed copies from Forbidden Planet
Regular Edition: 7th September, 2014

The Book: Ricky Rouse Has A Gun follows the story of Ricky Rouse, a US Army deserter who, after running away to China, gets a job at Fengxian Amusement Park, a family destination heavily “inspired” by Western culture, featuring Rambi (the deer with a red headband), Ratman (the caped crusader with a rat’s tail), Bumbo (small ears, big behind) and other original characters.

The park’s general manager is convinced that Rick was destined to greet Fengxian customers dressed as none other than Ricky Rouse. But when American terrorists take the entire park hostage, only Ricky Rouse can save the day. In a furry costume.

Introduced by Christopher Sprigman, Professor of Law at NYU and author of The Knockoff Economy, this original graphic novel is a relentless action comedy, a satire of US-China relations, a parody of Western entertainment and a curious look at China, a country that, once we look past its often outrageous infringements, is a culture ripe with innovation and a unique, courageous spirit.

A sample spread from Ricky Rouse Gets A Gun

A sample spread from Ricky Rouse Gets A Gun

 

The Review: It would be so easy to “one line” the story of Ricky Rouse has a Gun as “Die Hard in China”, but there are so many more layers to this thought-provoking graphic novel from Jorg Tittel and John Aggs than you’ll find in most Hollywood blockbusters. Quite aside from complex characters and an insight into Chinese culture that makes for challenging debate, Tittel delivers a tight script with plenty of twists and turns to the plot as the troubled Ricky Rouse gets a job in a Chinese theme park and ends up taking a group of paranoid American ‘patriots’ holding hundreds hostage on threat of death for ransom – including his ex-wife and daughter.

Ricky Rouse has a Gun pulls few punches when it comes to the violence that ensues in a story like like this, and nor should it: not for these creators the saccharine-sweet easy dispatch of both good and bad that comes through tentpole movie gun fights. Neither does Tittel hold back on creating intriguing, flawed characters – especially Rouse himself – with their own demons to trouble them, as well as the physical dangers they face in this story.

The script is brought to life by John Aggs distinctive artwork, with well delivered action scenes tempered with some great ‘character moments’, where a single look in a silent frame from a character speaks volumes as much as those with dialogue. Aggs’ layouts are superb, his fluid style delivering the visual side of a terrific story with aplomb.

In short, Ricky Rouse has a Gun is absolutely fantastic. Action, parody and great characters from Jorg Tittel, superb art from John Aggs… Well worth the price of admission.


• A Limited Edition Hardcover edition of Ricky Rouse has a Gun is Out Now: Buy Signed copies from Forbidden Planet

• The regular edition of Ricky Rouse has a Gun is out from SelfmadeHero on 7th September 2014. Pre-order it from Forbidden Planet here

• Jorg Tittel Official Site: http://oiffy.com He’s also on Twitter: https://twitter.com/newjorg

• John Aggs Official Site: http://johnaggs.com



Categories: British Comics, British Comics - Graphic Novels, Featured News, Reviews

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