After five years in prison, AJ Gurney, a legendary wheelman in Detroit, has decided it's time to go straight. He returns home to work in his father's garage and disappear into anonymity.
But during a visit to the bank, AJ is recognized by two violent bank robbers, and they demand AJ be their getaway driver. To ensure his compliance, they take a young female hostage; unfortunately, she happens to be the daughter of a Russian crime lord. AJ now finds himself pursued by a bitter police department and hunted by every asset of the Russian mob. Without a doubt, he's in a very hard place.
I’m trying not to give too much away here, so I apologize if the review is brief. But, I read this comic with minimal knowledge of it and was totally enveloped in the world and characters, experiencing them all free of spoilers and the like, and I want that same experience for you. Just, trust me when I say you need get this book. Read Full Review
I loved the first issue to the point I'm already wanting a big screen adaptation. Wagner and the team create a sympathetic main character who I really feel like is being dragged into a crappy situation. That also has me actually caring about what happens to him and also the ability to enjoy more than just the action. A solid debut that understands action isn't everything. Read Full Review
Wagner and Rummel explore a new side of the crime thriller genre in HARD PLACE #1. By focusing on a reformed criminal and themes of forgiveness, HARD PLACE #1 worms its way into the reader's mind. While plotting and characterization can feel a bit rushed, AJ Gurney is a relatable and interesting human character with deep potential. Read Full Review
A hard hitting, high-octane comic with a compassionate protagonist. Read Full Review
While there might not be much depth to The Hard Place, and the plot plays out like any number of similar crime-thrillers, the style, dialogue, and characters make it engaging and feel incredibly fresh. Read Full Review
I still suspect The Hard Place will prove a smoother ride once collected in trade-paperback format. Not much happens considering this is the first part of a five-chapter series and it may be maddening to read this story in a monthly format. Then again, with a strong concept and artwork to match it, The Hard Place will doubtlessly please those who enjoy The Fast and The Furious movies or comics like Initial D. Read Full Review
Well plotted and with strong characters, 'The Hard Place' is a crime ride you want to get on. Read Full Review
Overall the book isn't bad, I will most likely continue the story. I want to see what happens to AJ and I know that Wagner will flesh out the characters more once the story really gets going. So my faith is not lost in The Hard Place just yet. Read Full Review
After all that, I would forgive you for thinking I really enjoyed The Hard Place, and am excited for the next issue. Thats only partially true. I enjoyed the time I spent with the book, but its not something Im excited about. Were this quality of art and writing applied to a more original, interesting concept? I would be stoked. Ultimately, The Hard Place is another one of a particular type of story. But its a good one of those, and for some, thats likely enough. Read Full Review
So I will say the art did win over this issue for me. It's not that I didn't like the story, it just seems too common a tale for Image to be putting out. And that is the exact reason I will be sticking around for the next couple of issues. I have to believe that it's not going to be cookie cutter for very long, that the story will evolve into something much more intriguing. I'm hoping for that. Read Full Review
Overall, there's a lot to like about this first issue, but the ending does raise some concerns. I have more comments with spoilers on this week's Comic Bastards Podcast if you want to hear more. Unfortunately, my problems with this issue mostly reside with the ending, which I don't particularly want to spoil in a written review. I'll be back for the second issue, but we'll have to wait and see if this ends up being the typical ex-con back in the life or something else. Read Full Review
I enjoyed this story by "Plastic" writer Doug Wagner who is a really good writer. The art is good and I think the story will pick up. It's also a 5 issue mini-series. 7.5/10
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