Warning: Potential Spoilers Ahead
Typically when it comes to Post-Apocalyptic stories, you tend to see certain things with them; struggles to survive, new forms of society, all that jazz. But you don’t typically see Detective Noir themes in Post-Apocalyptic stories unless I’ve just not been paying enough attention. But Mad Cave’s Maverick imprint is doing just that with the first volume of Tectiv, which is due out in December. Tectiv is the story of Bingo Finder, the only apparent literate individual in Post-Apocalyptic LA that scavenges to make ends meet along side her best friend, Fenn. Which as the saying goes, reading is fundamental and that’s never been more true here for this story. As it later provides a huge aide for Bingo after Fenn vanishes and the blame’s laid on the Coyotes. Which, like other animals in the world of Tectiv, have intelligence. Which is fun to see when we later see interactions between Bingo and King Coyote and as well as the most interesting ‘car chase’ I’ve ever gotten to see in any form of media since the Blues Brothers.
Marco Matrone does such a great job in bringing that scene to life and makes me wonder if he might have gotten any inspiration from other material!
I love that in further establishing the identity of this universe that Richard Ashley Hamilton and his team have brought to life, word play is used pretty well to help show how much is different in this Post-Apocalyptic world. Such as Bingo calling her abode ‘adobe’ instead for example and somewhat reminds me of that Disney 2000s era film ‘Zenon: Girl Of The 21st Century’ due to how some phrases were changed up. Los Angeles or LA being referred to as Ellay is another thing I liked. And in true Detective Noir cliché, things for our gal Bingo begin with a dame as mentioned earlier by the name of Fenn. Who seems to want to be more than friends with Bingo. Though how same sex relationships in this world of Richard’s is treated isn’t exactly touched on but considering Bingo wasn’t outright disgusted and just shocked instead, its possibly safe to assume that its potentially accepted with no real problem.
Which is always good. And as Richard and friends take us through this story as Bingo goes wherever she can to find clues where Fenn’s concerned, we learn some things and even start to question things too. Like why a festival happens every day when really, something like that wouldn’t be feasible.
Even in a Post-Apocalyptic world like Tectiv. Though it could always be used as a form of brain washing in order to spark hate against certain groups. Another question to ask is how the Mayor and his family is able to function as well as they do given the amount of kids that there is in that family. Perhaps something to be explored if Richard chooses to continue this universe and I certainly hope he does. I also have to admit I was a little shocked when Bingo loses a part of herself and at first I didn’t even catch on to it until a few panels later. But its not something that Bingo lets keep her down for too long and for the world and story Richard is showing/telling, its a great way to remind everyone that there are unpleasant consequences when searching for the truth.
Especially when Medical Care is practically in the Stone Age here in Ellay. And by the time all is said and done and more truth than Bingo expected to uncover is out, I have to wonder how things would’ve gone between her and Fenn. I’m also rather curious about the ‘Final Boss’ the Mayor’s wife alluded too near the end and if whether or not she’s just blowing smoke up Bingo’s rear end.
I greatly enjoyed this story and while the summary had me interested, the story itself kept me reading from start to finish and I hope Richard has more in mind for the future. Tectiv is also proof positive that reading truly is fundamental as if Bingo didn’t have a love for it and Tectiv stories, we wouldn’t get to see her become the badass she was meant to be. Tectiv is out December 10th and the FOC for the first volume is on November 11th, so get that Pre-Order on while ya can!
Tectiv: Noirtopia Volume 1
Maverick/Mad Cave Studios
Written by: Richard Ashley Hamilton
Interior and Cover Illustrations by: Marco Matrone
Lettered by: Dave Sharpe
Reviewer: Rob Wrecks
Summary: When her best friend vanishes, Bingo Finder — the only literate person in a post-apocalyptic L.A. — turns to her beloved, ancient books for inspiration, becoming the first detective in centuries. But to solve this mystery, Bingo must fight for her own life and uncover a conspiracy within this fragile civilization. Bingo and every other teen in the sprawling farming village of Ellay knows the tales of the old days — of how their great-great-great-grandparents rebuilt what was left of society after some apocalypse or whatever. But that’s ancient history. Boring.
Nah, for Bingo’s generation, today is about staying busy — distracted, even — while tilling the reclaimed City of Industry fields or unloading barges at the seedy port of Bel Air. Or in Bingo’s case, scavenging ruins for artifacts to upcycle and trade at the bartering bazaars — including Bingo’s favorite leftovers, these old things called “books.” Ever heard of ‘em?
Her favorites are the TECTIV books, the ones about men who walked rain-slicked streets at night in hats and trench coats. They searched for answers in a city called L.A., just like Bingo. It was their job. And after the sudden disappearance of her best friend, Fenn, Bingo decides that’s what she’s gonna have to be if she wants to get answers — a new kind of TECTIV for a new world. Because everyone may believe Fenn’s disappearance was the first crime in a long time. But Bingo’s about to learn that it wasn’t. And it sure won’t be the last…
