Trade secrets: Sachs and Violens

Trade Secrets contains absolutely no secrets at all. It’s a dumb play on words I came up with to review graphic novels, and Trade paper backs! So if you’re interested in sequential art, good stories, and don’t mind an obnoxious play on words, check it out!!

Sachs and Violens

Created and Brought to you by the legendary team of George Perez and Peter David

On a recent rainy spring day I was going through my trades and I came across “Sachs and Violens”. I had totally forgotten about this book.

The crazy part is, it’s a collaboration between two of my all-time favorite comic entities:  Peter David, and my favorite comic artist of all time - George Perez! 

The original comic was part of an imprint within an imprint within an imprint as part of Epic Comics’ creator owned, heavy hitters line.

Heavy hitters was a short-lived publishing incentive that was going to feature more adult content and themes. 

A Fair comparison to this book in particular is Cinemax’s action shows. His work includes a good balance of sleaze and Cannon movie action.

The story follows model-turned-vigilante  Juanita "J.J." Sach and her companion: former photographer-turned-punisher impersonator Ernie "Violens" Schultz . The duo is pulled into an all out war with a sex trafficking organization. When a  friend is murdered, while being an unwilling participant in a snuff film (you know, as opposed to all the people who are lining up and excited star in snuff films…I’m such a dummy). After avenging their friend, the titular characters tear through the organization until all out showdown erupts in New Orleans during Mardi Gras. The last chapter of this book is reminiscent of a good Jack Reacher novel: a heaping dose of violence, vengeance and Mayhem, set against a  dwindling countdown, which would end in mass destruction. 

Both our main characters are as likable and flawed as their opponents and comparably disgusting. There aren’t many side characters but JJ’s sister being a nun isa  fascinating albeit slightly undercooked paradox. 

This is a kick-ass book and the two creators are in top form: not only is the body count and nudity totally outrageous for any comic of it’s time, the complex relationships and sexual tension is delivered in a way that it’s sequential contemporaries only hint at. 

I absolutely recommend tracking down this book. While not very long,  it’s a great way to kill an hour or so. I am sure that both the Epic original version and the DC re-release are out of print but it’s super worth grabbing if you come across it online or in a used bookstore! 

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