Review: ‘The Ambassadors’ #3 Is A Tour De Force Of Outstanding Art

The latest issue of Mark Millar’s The Ambassadors transports us to Paris, France. Which is an exceptionally handy destination given this issue’s artist, the elusive Travis Charest, must be rather familiar with it from his travels. Well, at least that what I assume, as his meticulous details he pours into each crevice and crack of each building, road, and character he beautifully renders throughout this issue seem to suggests a first hand knowledge of this historic, majestic city he captures so expertly. Honestly, the American sized comic book format just isn’t a format fitting for this stunning artwork. It looks as though much of his cityscapes are based on photo references. But, given this is Travis Charest we’re talking about, it could simply be all down to his keen, on-the-ball artistic eye for detail and and his unlimited talent, even though I have found out he doesn’t actually live there as me, and other reviewers, assumed.  Probably based on the Bleeding Cool article we clearly all read. Hey, I never said I was journalist. And neither for that matter does Rich Johnson.

But, I am in danger of digressing.

As a result, the overall effect of Charest’s art, it is simply breathtaking. Charest’s art style these days is far more in keeping with the European tradition and I can only imagine each page blown up and presented in the European preferred format of the bande dessinée. Maybe one day, Mr Millar? Maybe ‘ave a word in the right ear, ‘ey? 

Charest has always been an artist who produces highly realistic artwork, and with the additional flourishes which depict every minute detail, He brings Paris to life in a real, almost tangible way. And what I mean by that is his observations of a city captures all of its many facades; it is as much a contemporary and romanticised city as it is one that has aged, with much of the city’s roots in the past still on show for all to see. Warts and all, with lipstick and concealer expertly applied. Like an ageing, but still glamorous movie star. The art is most certainly the star of this issue, as Millar is more than aware, so I am sure he won’t mind this humble reviewer having focused so much of this review on what makes this issue stand out on the shelves this week.

Add to that the colouring of Dave Stewart, who’s contribution to the spot-on depiction of Paris cannot go without mention, and you have a remarkable portrayal of a city that is simply near to perfection. The cream-coloured stone cladding of the historic buildings that litter Paris’ streets and boulevards, and subdued, realistic colours elsewhere, add to the tone of city as one that is magnificent but not garish. This ain’t New York, that’s for sure. It’s a destination grounded in reality, but contrasted by the red, white and blue of its new protector, Codename France, and her sidekick and son, Paris. 

Meanwhile, Millar weaves his own type of magic by introducing the next recipient of Choon-He Chung’s generous gift of superpowers to the aforementioned Codename France and Paris; a single-mother and her somewhat brat of a son. But with a twist to the tale that is only revealed at the end of the issue, that works so well in misdirecting the reader; a favoured trope of Millar’s writing that comes as a pleasant, heart-warming surprise. Even if it is somehow purposefully soured by the same conclusion we had seen previously. An offer one or more of our new heroes may or may not be able to refuse. And thereby lies the muscular tissue that links all of these issue together. Read on their own, and with an array of some of the best artists illustrating each issue, each comic book can be enjoyed on its own merits. But it’s the slow build up of a potential showdown between Chung and her ex-husband that will keep you returning to this book. 

This is a comic book you will certainly return to again and again to spend more time with the art. A masterclass in what comics are capable of achieving, even if on a smaller scale that I would love. If you buy any book this week for the art alone, make it this one. ‘Nuff said.

The Ambassadors #3 is out now from Image Comics