Precious Metal #1 Review

Although the comic industry is dominated by the classic heroes, it’s refreshing to stumble upon something unique and more importantly a compelling read with stunning art to bring it all together. Cue in PRECIOUS METAL by creators Darcy Van Poelgeest and Ian Bertram which is set in the same universe of their Eisner Award winning 2019 series LITTLE BIRD. For the uninitiated, this universe is set in an alternate reality where it followed a 12-year old girl named “Little Bird” whose country of Canada has been torn asunder by the fascist and theocratic state of the American Empire run by the vile Bishop and his despots.

So I’ll start at the end. With a story of a boy, who became a weapon. And a man without a past…

Precious Metal is set 35-years after the events of Little Bird that follows a “bounty hunter” per se called Max Weaver, a mod-tracker who has been charged with returning mods (modified people) to their captors. While it may have a Blade Runner spin, it is far from it as Precious Metal is its original story that feels like a sci-fi amalgam of Call of Cthulhu. Further, Van Poelgeest and Bertram set the scene early for Max as we fall upon this broken mod-tracker who turns to alcohol to find solace because as the story progresses, he has a secret and scattered memories of his past that he wishes to unlock.

Additionally, we learn more about this dystopian world of religious zealots and freedom fighters who are trying to cement their power. Max’s latest job is to return a missing mod, a young boy who has an uncanny ability that those in power want. However when Max finds the boy, he unlocks something inside the mod-tracker that rocks him to the very core. As a result, Max flees the scene – needless to say, his boss doesn’t like his decision. On the run, he goes to Designer Chen as he believes she may know answers about this neuro-modded child, however by now Max should know not to trust people.

The first book ends with Max reuniting with Chen, the person responsible for “selling” him out to the Resistance in order to give them answers about the child where he lost an eye and almost drowned. Now Max and Chen join forces to find the child and rescue him from Death Cult before all-out war commences.

The Final Thoughts?

The Little Bird universe is new to me, however its Darcy Van Poelgeest and Ian Bertram successfully draw you into this twisted and dark universe. Not only is it well-written but the artwork of Ian Betram… wow, it is amazing and really sets itself apart from what is on the market at the moment. The art (for me) feels like pop art such as the Yellow Submarine meets Call of Cthulhu – it’s brilliant. Also, colours play a key component and when merged with the writing of Van Polgeest, Precious Metal #1 is off to an amazing start.

What a spectacular mind F@#$!

Preview