Concrete : Three Uneasy Pieces (one-shot)

A comic book icon returns! Years ago when he was out camping, Ron Lithgow was abducted by aliens, had his brain removed and placed into the body of concrete man. Adjusting to this new life hasn’t been easy, but a little bit more bearable with the help of his friends Larry Munro and biologist Maureen Vonnegut. Follow Concrete in 3 short stories where he stops a crime in progress which leads to another, saves the life of a hiker which may lead to some information about his alien abductors & helps the L.A.P.D. in a rather unique way.

The Pros

It’s been a while since I last read a Concrete comic and it’s about time I get back to it. This is a wonderful trilogy of short stories exploring a very unique comic book character and the situations he finds himself in. No villains out for world domination, no vampires or vampire slayers, no capes, although Concrete does do heroic gestures from time to time. Created, written & drawn by Paul Chadwick, these stories are original and have a clever & witty script with colourful characters. It also has a few surprises that will keep you guessing (especially the first story). Chadwick’s art doesn’t disappoint, its still the same illustrations he’s always done, but that’s not a bad thing. It’s familiar and comforting.

The Cons

There’s nothing really negative to say about this great comic, although if you’re more into super hero comics, than this might not be your cup of tea.

The Outcome

It’s nice to have Concrete back, this is a very special book about a cherished character. There’s nothing like it anywhere else and I can’t recommend it enough. Originally published as stories from Dark Horse Presents #1-#3 (2011). From Dark Horse Comics.