Golden Rage Vol. 1
Chrissy Williams, words; Lauren Knight, art; Sofie Dodgson, colors; Becca Carey, letters/design
Image Comics, 2023
From the start this is clearly a dystopian tale, set in a world where old women have been abandoned on a remote island, useless to society. The story opens at night on a beach, with two groups of women violently fighting each other. Jay, the protagonist, doesn't look very old–her hair is not gray, for example–but there must be a reason she is there, which will be revealed in time. It turns out she stopped being useful because she has early menopause, so apparently, it's all about childbearing. The island has a complex society of its own: there's the Red Hats, who are trying to maintain power; the Dead Women, who look after the fallen; and The Witch, who used to be in charge. Next, we learn that Jay was part of the administration that sent the women to the so-called "retirement centres," and she thinks they are all about to be liquidated (whatever that means, but it surely can't be good). With no way to escape the island (except for one small boat), at least the threat brings the women together. This first arc ends very much with a cliffhanger. The art team employs a rough style, but one suited to the story: certainly, the individual women are recognizable. The storytelling is a bit erratic (the Golden Girls quotes that end each chapter are a nice touch, though).
Replies