RUSE by Mark Waid (CrossGen Comics)

Best for: ages 12 and older

THE STORY/ARTWORK...

Simply (and gushingly) put, RUSE: Enter the Detective and RUSE: The Silent Partner are delightful examples of what happens when you combine clever storytelling with stunning artwork. 

Featuring the writing talents of comic book veteran Mark Waid (Captain America; The Flash) and the dynamic drawings of Butch Guice, these two books together compile the first 12 issues of the popular CrossGen monthly comic, RUSE.

Enter the Detective sets the standard here, introducing us to a delightful cast of characters  who live in an alternate universe that looks remarkably like England in the 1800s--with a few notable exceptions (such as bystanding gargoyle flocks that roam freely through the skies.) There's the brilliant detective, Simon Archard, a man who's ego is just as big as is intuitive genius. There's his assistant (partner?), Emma Bishop, a blonde-haired beauty with a remarkable mind, gritty determination, and a secret power she simply can't use. And there's a whole universe of creative supporting characters--Simon's allies and enemies--who add to the mystery and allure of this alternate world. Chock full of witty dialogue, clever plots, a few secrets you can use in real life (like how to find your way out of a maze!), and a truly page-turning story, this book follows Simon and Emma as they work to unravel the mystery of the beautiful villainess, Miranda Cross,  Baroness of Kharibast. Along the way they must discover who murdered one of Simon's agents (and former beau of Emma), what to do when Simon disappears and is presumed dead, and solve a host of other life-threatening, thrill-inducing problems. Much fun.

The Silent Partner picks up where Enter the Detective left off, and again showcases the impressive art team that CrossGen has put together for this series. Each spread practically leaps off the page with detail, characterization, action, and often, humor. The art alone would tell great story, but it doesn't have to work alone. Waid, with help from Scott Beatty, continue to embellish the fanciful, Sherlock-Holmes-style world from the first book, adding a circus-like bearded woman/dwarf, a town of invisibles, and rich-brat sisters who may or may not have killed their father. The only weakness in this second volume is that it too quickly hones in on Simon's Moriarty-type arch-villain, Malcolm Lightbourne, and leaves hanging some of the juicier threads from Enter the Detective. (For instance, exactly why can't Emma use her time-stopping power? And what bet will she lose if she doesn't find success as Archard's assistant/partner?) Still, the Lightbourne story arc is grand and satisfying, and well worth the read.

In all, RUSE appears to be everything it claims to be: Sherlock Holmes meets the X-File--and more. And to its credit, CrossGen has even created a reading program for high schoolers that uses this comic as a text. Which leaves only one question: Where were these guys when I was suffering through Shakespeare in senior English?

THE CONTENT ELEMENTS...

Positive Themes/Topics For Discussion: Loyalty, trust, intelligence, education.

Potentially Objectionable Elements: Mild (Indiana Jones-style) action violence; magical elements; Emma consults with prostitutes while solving a crime; Emma is shown fully covered, but wearing her nightclothes.

Spiritual/Religious Content Elements: Some discussion of psychic powers and ancient, mystical religious artifacts.

For Further Discussion...

If members of your family choose to read this comic, use these questions to spark discussion about it afterward:

• Emma is often placed in dangerous situations where she must trust Simon without knowing what he is doing--or that he will succeed. When have you felt like that? What did you do? When have you felt that way in your relationship with God? What did you do?

• Simon's ego often causes as much trouble as his genius solves. What problems does your own ego seem to cause for you? How might God's "genius" (a.k.a, the Bible) help you solve those problems?

• What did you like best about these books? least? Why?