Crosswind Reconsidered

Last month, I reviewed Crosswind by Gail Simone and Cat Staggs, which is a graphic novel published by Image Comics.

I hadn’t finished reading it at that point as I couldn’t find issue 4. I wrote “After I was halfway through this review, I discovered that the first six issues have been collected into a trade paperback. You can bet that by the time you read this Monday (or whenever), I will have tracked a copy down.”

Well, I did. And I read it. And re-read it.

I also wrote “Oh, did I mention that there IS a transwoman in the story? Cason as Juniper calls her “Frankenbarbie,” and as Juniper drives away, the woman says “Cis women…” I think those are enough tells for me!”

And “Even if you’re not a “comics person,” this one is so worth your time.”

Upon further review, I would like to revise my… review.

I wrote previously:
From the publisher, Image Comics:

Goodfellas meets Freaky Friday in this mind-bending new ongoing series from fan-favorite creators GAIL SIMONE (Wonder Woman, Batgirl, Deadpool, Secret Six, Birds of Prey) and CAT STAGGS (Adventures of Supergirl, Smallville Season 11, Wonder Woman ’77). A slick and ruthless Chicago hitman. A smart but downtrodden Seattle housewife. When an inexplicable event strikes these two random strangers, their bodies, souls, and lives are switched—to potentially deadly effect.

Crosswind introduces us to two main characters. The first is Cason Ray Bennet, the aforementioned hitman. He is ruthless and efficient, yet has a (very small) soft spot for his friends. Oh, and he’s sleeping with his fellow hitman’s fiancée. He is handsome, well-dressed, and never intimidated.

The second is Juniper Elanore Blue, a “lovely, but somewhat frazzled, Seattle housewife.” Her husband walks all over her; her step son is a rude and disobedient teen; and even the neighborhood kids are unbelievably crass to her. She fancies herself a writer, and the reader sees examples of her work in places throughout the narrative.

All that is still the same. What changes are the circumstances. Issue 4 is when things get hardcore serious and the REAL character development begins. The first three issues set up themes, etc, and issues 4-6 really hook the reader.

Remember I mentioned the Transgender character? Well, I was right. What I didn’t realize was that she is crucial to the narrative. I should’ve figured that — I mean the story is about two people switching bodies/genders. Duh.

Issue 4 is when Cason and Juniper finally get in touch with each other. How? Simple — one of them picks up the phone. After all, they know each other’s/their own phone number. That’s also where the narrative starts getting deeper and veers away from the hint of cliché I saw in the early issues.

I read in an interview that the writer, Gail Simone, has transgender friends who helped her with perspective and with concepts. It shows. The transgender character isn’t a stereotype at all, she is as grounded and real as the other characters. And she owns a kick ass dog.

I don’t want to give away the story, as it’s something for the reader to discover and unfold. I would like to change my verdict though. Crosswind is not just worth your time. . .

If you like solid storytelling with a strong transgender character, go to your local comic store and pick this book up NOW. Share it with friends. Seriously.

It’s that damn Great.

And I want a dog like Tucker.

Crosswind by Gail Simone and Cat Staggs ISBN: 978-1534304741

Tags: book review, Crosswind, featured, Transgender

Category: Product Review, Transgender Fun & Entertainment