This month for the Galactic Comics and Collectibles Book Club we read The Recount published by Scout Comics.
The Recount trade paperback collects the original four issues of the series from writer Jonathan Hedrick along with artists Gabriel Ibarra-Nunez (chapters 1-3) and Joe Bocardo (chapter 4) . The series ran from November 18, 2020 through May 12, 2021.
During his resignation speech, a corrupt U.S. president is assassinated by an agent in his Secret Service detail. The transition of power was immediately succeeded to his VP, Meredith McDearmon. Soon after, the ruthless cult-like conspirators, known only as “The Masses,” announce to the American public their vow to take out anyone who sided with the dead president. The only person who can be trusted, Special Agent Barto, must get the newly sworn in Commander-in-Chief to the safety of the White House before the nation collapses under the violent weight of The Masses.
Not only has Hedrick been a two-time guest on the Capes and Tights Podcast (Episode 51 and Episode 66), the writer was kind enough to join the Book Club via Zoom to answer questions and talk to the group. Thanks Jonathan!
While The Recount is one of our favorite comics, it was interesting to hear the feedback from the various members of our group. The vast majority really enjoyed the experience of reading The Recount, with a few exceptions. The group was a fan of the overall plot and story, as well as positive feedback on the artwork.
RELATED: The Recount Optioned for Feature Film
There were a few members expressing the desire to use the world of comics as a form of escapism and having the political thriller land so “close to home” was a bit of a turn-off. However, those members also expressed it was personal preference and not a slight at the book itself.
“I can appreciate the desire for escapism when choosing a comic,” Hedrick commented. “I’d say that there’s also people who enjoy the opposite too. My goal for telling this story was to make an entertaining “what if” scenario. Unfortunately, life imitates art, and frequently as of late.”
The biggest and most talked about feedback on The Recount was the pacing. The first three chapters were very well received, but as the fourth came around the pacing felt rushed. The benefit of the conversation from Hedrick at the outset of the group meeting was the discussion of publishing independent comics and the costs surrounding making them. This allowed the group to get a possible answer on the pacing of the book, publishing a comic is not cheap and the format of releasing said books could be a hinderance on the length of a series.
Overall, I will say The Recount was most likely the best received book the group has read since the launch of the Book Club, now six books down. While nothing is perfect, the book had less negative arguments and more positive statements. Again, not the entire group.
The Recount trade paperback is available at your local comic shop and is highly recommended by Capes and Tights as well as Galactic Comics and Collectibles. Also, be on the lookout for The Recount: Second Term in the near future!
Join Us In The Book Club
Galactic Comics and Collectibles hosts a book club each month to read and discuss one trade paperback. Each month a group of individuals reads the same book and meets to discuss. Follow along as we discuss these books here as well. Next month we head back into the world of Marvel Comics with House of M from writer Brian Michael Bendis.
In previous months the group has discussed Superman: Last Son of Krypton, Something is Killing the Children, I Hate Fairyland Vol. 1, Thanos by Donny Cates, Wytches, and Batman: The Long Halloween.
