It doesn't matter how good the story is; in a graphic novel, even the best writer relies on the art to convey much of the story to the readers. Greg Rucka's Elektra arc Everything Old is New Again demonstrates this handily by switching artists midstream and derailing Rucka's efforts.

There are some basic problems with the story itself. Following up on the events of Introspect, in which Elektra is shown the error of her assassin's ways and is pining for redemption, Elektra now is seeking a new teacher to set her on the path of righteousness. Given everything we know about the character to date, this is an extremely unlikely plot line to swallow. But let's go with it for now.

Elektra finds herself at the mercy of the sensei Drake, an elderly black woman who still has the skills to knock Elektra on her rump. Elektra readily gives herself over to Drake's instruction, fulfilling the roles of both servant and novice as she remakes herself by cleaning up a children's playground and serving food at a homeless shelter.

But then the Hand comes calling, and the secret ninja society has a bone to pick with Elektra and Drake. And Elektra must choose which way her future will lead.

If you are willing to accept Elektra's major personality changes and subservience, the story holds together pretty well. But the art lets Rucka down.

The story begins and ends strongly, with strikingly good art by Joe Bennett and Carlo Pagulayan. While distinctive, their styles are similar enough not to be jarring when the change occurs. Unfortunately, three issues in the middle were pencilled by Carlos Meglia, whose main strength seems to lie in caricatures.

Meglia's Elektra looks like a mangaesque waif. Members of the Hand and the Chaste, a competing ninja clan, have pointed chins and hooked noses. Drake and the other African Americans in the story have big, Sambo-like eyes, droopy skin, rat's-nest hair and thick, simian lips. The whole thing looks bloody ridiculous. How did this get past quality control? Did no one complain? Maybe -- perhaps that's why Pagulayan returned to pencil the final issue of the series.

Everything Old is New Again is certainly not the best Elektra arc I've read. But it deserved better than Meglia, that much is certain.

by Tom Knapp
Rambles.NET
27 May 2006