CrossGen Month Part 4(of 5)

Initially, I had planned CrossGen Month for four columns. Unfortunately, mid-way though the month, CrossGen’s list of cancelled titles came out, and the book I had selected for week four of CrossGen Month was among the casualties.

With just three remaining issues scheduled, it seemed something of a waste to spend the time promoting a title that would no longer be in existence. Of course, then I had to go and read it. I enjoyed it so much that I decided to write an extra edition of Still on the Shelf. While it is true that this title will be departing us in the very near future (for now, anyway), It will almost certainly continue to remain available in trade.

Ruse takes place on the world of Arcadia, which is, of course, in CrossGen’s “Sigil-verse.” Of course, like many of CrossGen’s titles, there is really very little to tie it to anything outside its own little world. The concept of Ruse is a mystery eerily similar to Doyle’s Adventures of Sherlock Holmes- and the setting is approximately the same (mid 1800s, land similar to England).

Cast of Characters

Simon Archard is the city of Partington’s very own Sherlock Holmes archtype, sharing a great many things in common with the famous literary detective. Some minor details have changed however- a sensory deprivation take substituting for a violin, for example. Simon is cerebral in the extreme, and often prefers to live inside his own thoughts rather than engage himself socially. He is incredibly arrogant when it comes to his own intellect, and often finds himself bored with the mundane mysteries he is given to solve. Fortunately, some much more interesting, albeit more dangerous, enigmas have presented themselves.

Emma Bishop, though considered by some to be the “assistant” to the great Detective Archard, is in fact the main character of this title. She does serve as his “Watson,” though she has proven herself a great deal more capable than that classic sidekick. Archard relies on her primarily for her linguistic skills, language being something he never bothered to learn.

How her professional relationship with Archard began remains a mystery, but she has made it her personal quest to draw him out of his mind and introduce him to the world around him. She is always trying to impose social graces upon Simon, to little success. In addition, she strives to be recognized as Simon’s partner, rather than his assistant, something Archard will only grant her when things are the most dire, and she is not around.

Archard’s Agents are Simon’s extensive group of informants and experts, which Simon calls upon in times of need. While Simon thinks most highly of his own intellectual prowess, even he recognizes that it is impossible for one man to know all there is worth knowing in the world. When he comes across a situation where more specialized knowledge is needed, he calls upon the appropriate agent to provide some answers. The most visible, to this point, has been Pugilist Pete, a failed boxer whom Simon has attempted to turn into a gentleman. He more often than not acts as a bodyguard for Emma, when the situation demands it.

Thoughts

Aside from being a terrific detective story, Ruse is just flat out fun. While the stories are generally light, full of running gags, they always eventually build to an extremely serious climax by the end of the run.

I have to admit one thing has bothered me about this title (though it is rarely brought up). Early on in the series, it is revealed that Emma controls great magical power of unknown origin. In addition, she is in communication with some sort of otherworldly being, with which she has a bet with, of some nature, regarding Simon Archard.

Now Ruse is chock full of strange, supernatural happenings, but with the exception of Emma’s power, they all fit into the story rather nicely. Much like Brath’s sigil, this whole idea just does not seem to fit, yet unlike Brath’s sigil; the writers of Ruse feel the need to occasionally remind the reader that Emma possesses this power. Since she must keep her powers a secret, however, she rarely ever uses it, and never does so in any way that affects the story. In short, Emma’s great power has not advances the story one bit in 23 issues, and with the end of Ruse coming upon us at issue #26, I have to wonder if it was even necessary to include that aspect of the story at all.

Aside from this one minor quibble with the title, I have enjoyed each and every issue of this series. Many of you may know that Ruse was initially penned by Mark Waid (recently of Fantastic Four fame), who did an outstanding job. The current writer, Scott Beatty, has continued admirably after Waid’s departure- so much so that I hardly noticed the change in writing style.

Bottom Line

One thing I have noticed about CrossGen, particularly over the course of this last month, is that with rare exceptions, everything they put out is outstanding. It seems clear to me that it is not the quality of the titles CrossGen is putting out that has caused their flagging sales. The only possible reason I can think of is a new readers reluctance to pick up a CrossGen title to begin with.

A company like Marvel rarely has anything to worry about when they lose a few readers to a title. They are old enough, and established enough, to pick up new readers at the drop of a hat. I mean, if you think about it, who hasn’t heard of Spider-man, whether they read comics or not? I can’t say the same about Simon Archard, or Sephie, or the rest of the CrossGen cast, and it is a shame.

Simply put- there really has not been a CrossGen title that I have not enjoyed. I spoke less than glowingly about Meridian sometime ago, this is true- but there is no doubt that I do not fall into that particular book’s demographic. Meridian, though my least favorite of the CrossGen line to date, certainly has its bright points, and that is a lot more than I can say about many of the sub-par titles I have read from the major publishers over the years. Ruse continues in the CrossGen trend of excellence, and did not disappoint in the least.

Ruse #23 is available now, and I suggest all of you give it a look. Ruse #1 is, of course, available in its entirety for free on CrossGen’s Comics on the Web. There are two Ruse Trade Paperbacks (my best recommendation at this point), and a Traveller available in stores now. I know it seems silly to be recommending a book that has already been axed, but I honestly feel that those of you who have never read this title would really enjoy it. Each arc is a self-contained mystery in the spirit of the old Sherlock Holmes mysteries, and ideal for the trade paperback format, and would stand very much alone as a great graphic novel.

Double Still on the Shelf this week- as I finish off CrossGen Month with Brian Pulido’s – Lady Death, which should be out in the next 24 hours. As an added “CrossGen Month” bonus, be sure to check out my interview with Bill Rosemann over in the Features forum.

Next month? I have decided it is time to break my “no top-25 titles” rule for another special event – Marvel Month. Thanks for reading!
Credit where credit is due-

Ruse is
Written by- Scott Beatty
Pencilled by- Butch Guise
and Inked by – Michael Perkins

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