Unknown Soldier had been out for a few months before I jumped on that crazy train. I love this book. A LOT. Josh Dysart is a fantastic writer and that Eisner nomination was more than deserved. Alberto Ponticelli’s artwork is dynamic and raw, fitting in perfectly with the gritty story lines. Dave Johnson’s covers are, for lack of a better word, beautiful. If there is any doubt of this, please look at issue #23 that comes out this week.

My wife even thought it was gorgeous, and she hates comic books. That’s saying something. Unfortunately, this triple threat wasn’t enough to save this title. DC/Vertigo is axing Unknown Soldier at issue #25, citing low issue sales.  This makes me sad. Unknown Soldier was one of the first titles to get me back on the comic horse, and I’m not ready to see it go.

Maybe it’s because I am a history geek, but the ongoing struggle in Uganda was enough to get me to pick up the book. That could also be what explains the low sales numbers. Comics, originally, were a form of fantasy and escape for readers. It gave them an out from everyday troubles and sadness.

Unknown Soldier picks up those troubles and shoves them in your face. The story line is fiction, but the events that are taking place are all too real and that may be too much for some people. Uganda is a war-torn and struggling country, but there is a lot of good happening there. I got that feeling from Dysart and his writing. Through all the blood and destruction, deep down Dr. Moses (the title character) just wanted to do some good; to instill some hope and change into the people.

Yes, it’s brutal and real, but that’s why it’s a great book. That’s why I’m sad to see it go. At least we’ll have the trades.

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