Going to the Chapel #1 // Review
Weddings can often be a stressful event, with large amounts of money being spent by both sides of the family. People often forget who the big day is truly about because it becomes a contest of egos. Going to the Chapel proves just that point. As Spencer and Locke series writer David Pepose returns with his brand new series that turns the big day for one happy couple into a three-ring circus. Pepose brings the violence and witty charm that made Spencer and Locke such a delight for readers. Joining Pepose for this new series, is artist Gavin Guidry and colorist Liz Kramer. Emily Anderson is surrounded by her family preparing for the big day, though she is experiencing significant cold feet. Emily’s groom to be Jesse Moore is the complete opposite calm, collected, and even excited. Emily comes from a family with quite a bit of money to throw around, so this big wedding is attracting attention from some unsavory characters.
Crashing a wedding is serious business, and unlike the popular movie, the people crashing this wedding aren’t looking for free booze. The crashing of the wedding isn’t the spoiler, it’s what happens after that will be a thrilling shock for readers.
Series writer David Pepose garnered much earned praise earlier this year for his series Spencer and Locke 2. Pepose’s storytelling shines as he moves from the violent absurdity of Spencer and Locke’s world to the absurdity of the lives of the ultra-wealthy. Igniting this powder keg is the fact that Emily is wearing a necklace valued at over 250 million dollars. Something like that is bound to attract the wrong attention, queue The Bad Elvis Gang. The first thing that will come to mind for most readers is the 80s classic Point Break. Dressed in matching suits and varying Elvis masks including a zombie Elvis, the gang looks like they are playing for laughs but are deadly serious. Pepose has set up what looks to be several exciting character arcs in future issues. It will be interesting to see if Emily was able to shake her case of cold feet. Or if the arrival of The Bad Elvis Gang will scare her away from the altar for good.
Like Spencer and Locke, Pepose had a solid creative team behind him, that helped bring the rest of the story to life. Artist Gavin Guidry gives the book a fresh look with crisp character designs. Guidry doesn’t dwell too much in the realm of absurdity with the design of the Elvis masks. Keeping them more in line with the aesthetic of the book. Colorist Liz Kramer gives this book a bright and lively feel, even with the serious nature of an armed robbery. No panel really stands out from any of the others, though this will be quite a visually pleasing treat for readers.
Going to the Chapel looks to break the mold of typical comics with an intriguing story that doesn’t have to rely on superheroes and villains. David Pepose brings all the humor and charm that helped propel Spencer and Locke into the spotlight. His creative team will no doubt continue to bring Pepose’s story to life. With crisp character designs and bright, vivid colors that will entice readers for future issues.
