The Old Guard is a combination of the A-Team meets immortality all while getting ousted in the world. For centuries Andy, Nicky, Joe, and Booker have been immortals. As a result of this gift/ curse they have hired themselves out as mercenaries for different people and missions. Just recently they have taken a job to recuse 17 hostages, which was a set up to show the world that they are immortal. While this is occurring a US Soldier named Nile, who should of died, survives and is the newest member of this immortal group.
The Good:
The comic from the start makes it clear that Andy, Nicky, Joe, and Booker have been living like this for centuries. All 4 of them have come to learn how to go through the motions of life as we see with Andy, as she is having sex but makes no personal commitments while doing it. This alludes to how tired all 4 of them are of having lived for so long. Furthermore, this is enhanced by what the 4 of them have chosen to do with their lives, as they are a mercenary group. As this profession constantly puts them in combat situations, which increases the possibility that it might be their last mission. For each of these characters they view it as a curse, rather than a gift, and want to die. This is a draw to the comic as it is an unexpected position to have on the concept of life, as these characters have lived and struggled for so long through various events in the world. And if that was not enough, they peacefully want it to end, the comic muddies up the water as the job they have taken turns out to be a trap, set to expose who they are. With being revealed, the comic hints that these 4 are now going to be dealing with constant threats and combat situations in their lives. This really adds to the comic as it establishes the main plot of the comic on how the characters will deal with the world knowing who they are and the threat they pose to society. The main plot is established and the comic takes it a step further as it has created a sub-plot; Nile, who should of died, survives and is revealed to be a new immortal, yet nobody knows this yet. This sub-plot is so well thought out that it can easily stand on its own without the main plot in its own comic book. This thickens an already thick plot that will be going on for years.
The Bad:
There is nothing wrong with this comic as it outlines where the comic is going not only for the next issue, but in general. Furthermore, the comic has made it clear that the backstory will be slowly revealed in the next few issues.
The Verdict:
This comic is perfect from the very first page to the last. It hits on every point it needs to from establishing who the characters are, what their skill sets are, the struggles they face, and where they are heading in the next several issues. Furthermore, the comic has a solid plot and a solid sub-plot that could be its own comic book. With this combination it is clear that this comic will be heading in a unique direction with plenty of story to explore. Now 2017 is young but this might be the best start to a comic series for the year.
While you wait for The Old Guard to come out in graphic novel form you can pick up Lazarus Volume 1 here.
