REVIEW: ‘Deep Cuts,’ Issue #1

Young Charles Stewart is an aspiring clarinetist looking to follow in his father’s footsteps. But breaking into the music scene in 1917 New Orleans is no easy feat. When he makes the acquaintance of one Jack Cartier, it seems like he may have taken his first step toward something big. But even if things don’t go quite the way he expects, Charles can hopefully learn some lessons about life in Deep Cuts #1, published by Image Comics, written by Kyle Higgins and Joe Clark, pencils and inks by Danilo Beyruth, colors by Igor Monti, and letter by Hassan Otsmane Elhaou.

When we are young, the world seems simple, straightforward, and easily understood. We think that people are who they appear to be and that, despite constant warnings to the contrary, you really can judge a book by its cover. Perhaps some lessons just have to be experienced to be learned. Maybe that’s when childhood stops. When we come to recognize the complexities of people and the larger world. It certainly feels that way for young Charles Stewart.

Charles’s journey as he takes his first steps into the larger world of performing is well-paced and well-written. While most of the story’s plot beats are nothing surprising or new, writers Higgins and Clark deliver this story with plenty of skill and flair. The way characters talk feels real and in line with the setting, without plunging into cartoonish stereotypes.

While all of Deep Cuts #1‘s cast delivers their roles wonderfully, the scene stealer is always Jack. Smooth talker looking to climb to the tops of the local music scene by whatever means he must, Jack is instantly recognizable as a hustler to anyone used to dealing with the world. But while it is plain to the reader who Jack is, it is equally understandable why Charles doesn’t see it. Jack flashes charisma and charm as bright as a spotlight. Since he tells Charles what he hopes to hear, it is easy to see how he could get taken in by the man.

While Jack is the most memorable of the supporting cast in Deep Cuts #1, he is far from the only quality character the story surrounds its protagonist with. Friends and fiends alike can be found on the streets of New Orleans, and Charles will encounter many on his journey. From the kindly old piano player who takes him under his wing, to the charming prostitute Dixie who takes a liking to the young musician, everyone brings a distinct personality to this story.

Just as the writing brings a strong energy to Deep Cuts #1, so too does the art. Beyruth’s lines do a great job of capturing the energy and look of the era the story takes place. There is a roughness to the city that is still growing into what it will one day become, and this roughness is used to juxtapose the smoothness of the music fantastically. Despite the hard times that are clearly going around, music can light up any room.

While the lines do a lot to deliver this energy, just as much is done by the colors. Every music hall and club is lit in a way that accentuates the musical moments brilliantly, helping the reader experience the music the way Charles does.

The last touch for this presentation is the lettering. Elhaou forgoes this book’s industry standard of writing in all caps, choosing to go with standard capitalization for Deep Cuts #1. This, along with the choice of a thinner font style, gives the letters a look that feels perfect for the setting of its story.

While its many story beats are largely predictable, that doesn’t stop Deep Cuts #1 from filling its pages with a memorable cast and setting. The music, energy, and life of its world leave an impression, even when the story feels like it’s just going through the motions.

Deep Cuts #1 is available now wherever comics are sold.