Desolation tones

'Desolation Jones' is aptly named. A graphic novel tracing the mission of Agent Jones - sole survivor (to date) of the Desolation Test now turned community agent - to recover lost Hilter porn videos for a wheelchair bound retired Colonel, it is cadaverous as it is treacherous. As the plot twists through dark alleys and shadows expose their true identity, the torrid activities of secret agencies and their agents are revealed. Creating an L.A teeming with more sordid activity than we think, with skies greyer than the wrinkled paper-excuse-for-skin that hangs on Jones' tortured body, and with bartards more yellow than Jones' bestial eyes, writer Warren Ellis gives more than just a gripping narrative. He prods at the idea of humanity just as those scientists prodded and poked Jones' body when he was retired from the secret force due to inability. However, his prodding and poking birthed little due to insufficient exploration. Insufficiency is the pitfall of this novel, because even its plot was really just a simple simple story that takes unnecessary turns and bends. The characters, save for Jones and one 'gamely' prostitute, were insufficiently developed and served as fodder for Jones' trigger-happy instincts at the end.
The dialogue is macabre and enjoys being such. The art is of the same nature, and completely indulgent in dispensing blood. Artist J.H Williams III hides gore behind a veil so well you actually enjoy the fight scenes. Blood seems to be a fitting muse for Williams, judging from the way he uses it so artfully. And who would think one who knew the intimate ways of manipulating blood into an artist tool would draw angels as beautifully as he did? The angels Williams plucked out of the visions of Jones' deranged mind, and put in full glory of colour and splendour as they rise above L.A's sewers and waters to heights unattainable, inspire hope in your soul. Hope for Jones' desolate and lost soul to be redeemed and revived to meaning.
Desolation Jones reminds me of Preacher, but only as a foetus with the potential to grow into the fully-developed brainchild that Preacher is.