Tiki Joe Mysteries Vol. 1
Story and Art: Mark Murphy (with some inks by J.E. Smith)
SLG Publishing (Slave Labor Graphics)
Tiki Joe Mysteries is a short but fun graphic novel set in 1959 Las Vegas. Two stories are included: “The Pay Off” and “The High Stakes Patsy.” Our protagonist Joe runs a tiki bar along with his World War II buddies, and they end up defeating a mob boss and a diamond theft ring. Although the guys may dress up in tiki masks borrowed from the bar, there aren’t any superheroics. The stories are very much straightforward noir with a little bit badass crew mixed with some knight in shining armor.
There isn’t much mystery to the stories. The guys discover the sources of their troubles very quickly, and most of the story follows them figuring out exactly how to carry out their solutions. The resolutions usually involve putting on the masks and giving someone a sound thrashing. Typical, but still fun.
Given the recent success of Mad Men, Tiki Joe seems like the perfect world for another TV show with a historical-ish setting. Think of it as a little like the A-Team but with snazzy suits, classy dames, better writing, and a whole lot of beatdowns. Maybe Hollywood is too reality-show focused to see the brilliance anytime soon, but the graphic novel offers enough enjoyment for the rest of us right now. Definitely worth a read.
Tiki Joe Mysteries for purchase at SLG Comics
Tiki Joe Mysteries website
Mark Murphy on Zuda Comics