The Die Hard: Year One, Vol 1 hardcover is a fine example of how to make a trade. The cover from the first issue makes up the jacket, the hardcover and page quality are almost the same as what you might find in say Marvel Zombies(by way of example).  The color quality is the same as the books, that sepia muted color, and the cover gallery is a thing to behold.

The icing on the cake?  I didn’t even notice this, sister site editor Simon did, a little string bookmark that hangs down the center spine of the book.  This little touch of love completes the $20 package in a gesture that begs to have you pick up the book and read.

And why not?  The hardcover chronicles the very beginning of McClane’s first year, even before he is promoted to detective (spoiler: he gets promoted to detective).  I say that last part in jest, only because the book isn’t so much surprising as it is insightful.  Let’s think about this for a second…

The Die Hard movies aren’t that surprising.  the first group of terrorists wanted money, did anyone actually see the second one?  The third wanted a sub plot of revenge, but really it was about the money.  Frankly, I don’t talk about the fourth film. What I’m trying to say here is how much depth do you want out of this book?  I would argue the most you could ask for is exactly what Howard Chaykin delivers.

Collecting the first four issues, Die Hard: Year One, Vol 1 walks us through McClane’s first real situation and we get to see how he handles himself.  This is a lot of buildup for what is a brief delivery, but it was enough to make me want more.  I was hooked because I see the series as a detective series instead of an action series.  Two issues into the next run, the next trade should be forthcoming pretty quick.  I think that if Boom continues to manufacture this, and 28 Days Later trades at this level of quality, it may become the lifeblood of the company.

Considering the company just got nominated for 7 Eisners, and 6 of them were for Iredeemable.  A different facet to market would be a good thing.  Unless the Iredeemable fragrance suddenly takes off.

Richard Bashara

Rich@ComicImpact.com