Veil

Rucka, known for writing some of the strongest women in comics (Tara Chase in Queen & Country, Renee Montoya in Gotham Central), takes on a very different kind of character here. Veil is a mysterious woman whom men find irresistible. From the moment she leaves a rat-infested subway, men start fighting (often violently) for her attention. A man named Dante is able to resist her influence better than the others, and takes her in after witnessing several supernatural creatures fighting to control her. These monsters have a lot to do with Veil%E2%80%99s true story. The story%E2%80%99s scornful view of objectification is perfectly summarized by Dante%E2%80%99s reference to Veil%E2%80%99s demonic boss as %E2%80%9Cjust another fucking pimp.%E2%80%9D The book is sexualized but never feels exploitative, thanks to Rucka%E2%80%99s deft hand and gritty artwork from Fejzula (Nephilim). The jarring colors, from Fejzula with Aljosa Tomic, make a particularly strong contribution to the unsettling nature of this erotic nightmare that leaves readers thinking about the world%E2%80%99s exploitation of women. (Feb.)