Image Comics Review: Lost Soldiers

Review: LOST SOLDIERS

[Editor’s Note: This review may contain spoilers]

Written By: Aleš Kot

Art By: Luca Casalanguida 

Colors By: Heather Marie, Lawrence Moore 

Letters By: Aditya Bidikar

Review By: Kendra Hale 

Summary

“War is cruelty. There is no use trying to reform it. The crueler it is, the sooner it will be over.” – William Tecumseh Sherman

There are many quotes I could have pulled out for this review, but I felt this one fit best amongst the others. Lost Soldiers is a 5 issue mini-series from Image that follows three soldiers who served together in the Vietnam War. We get to see them through the years, crisscrossing through time as their lives continue to intersect, for better or worse.   

Lost Soldiers, while following Hawkins and Burke, mainly focuses on Kowalski as he deals with the ghosts of his past that have never left him. As the years have passed, old conflicts are renewed and a new mission with nothing left to lose has taken over Kowalski’s mind. Hawkins does his best to help his friend, but when bad blood runs this deep, the stain always remains. 

Positives

The artwork is gritty, raw, and beautiful to behold. The story and artwork remind of movies like Full Metal Jacket or TV series like Band of Brothers. Lost Soldiers stands on its own, though, with a unique story and a good message from Hawkins. It is interesting watching the tale of the three men unfold and while Burke and Kowalski are really the ones who have the beef to hash out. Hawkins plays a good role as the one who watches as the tale between the two unfolds. 

Negatives

None that I found. The story may be a lot for some readers to handle, but that isn’t necessarily a negative. It makes the source relatable and real. 

Verdict

For a five issue miniseries that was a one and done (so far at least), I would happily read more. It is a stark inside look at how war affects soldiers in different ways. It also certainly earns the “M” rating. Lost Soldiers is most certainly worth the read, especially if you enjoy dramas like the ones mentioned above. 

 If you know someone who needs help, resources can be found with the National Suicide Prevention Hotline or with the Wounded Warrior Project. 

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