There’s something exceptionally intriguing brewing in the world of comic publishing that’s worth dusting off your magnifying glass for. The good folks over at Ablaze, who are known for bringing bold European comics to English-speaking audiences, have recently taken a shot at serializing Enrique Sánchez Abulí and artist Eduardo Risso’s ‘Torpedo 1972’. This is a sequel of sorts to Abuli’s original series, Torpedo 1936, and it’s causing a bit of a storm in the comic appraiser’s world.

Unleashing Torpedo in English

Dipping my literary toes into ‘Torpedo 1936′, I thought I knew what ride I was in for. The protagonist I envisioned was a classic noir hero – tough, smart, a true ladies’ man and capable of violence just on the right side of acceptable. Well, let’s just say the reality packed a punch! Luca Torelli, also known as Torpedo, carries all the fanfare of a noir hero – slick suits, a suave scar, and a dangerous charm. But as for being a conventional hero – not so much.

Torelli is, to put it lightly, an absolute piece of work. As we navigate his 1930’s New York, we encounter a character who doesn’t just blur the lines of morality, but outright demolishes them. Not only is he capable of cold-blooded murder, but he’s also an unabashed racist, homophobe, misogynist, and serial sexual offender.

Busting the Charming Gangster Myth

One of the elements that makes this series both compelling and repellent is the way ‘Torpedo’ strips away the manufactured illusions about the ‘cool killer’. Suddenly, the charismatic guys in sharp suits appear in their true self – ruthless, immoral, and devoid of any redeeming quality. Believe it or not, ‘Torpedo’ paints a real picture of a professional criminal, far away from the romantic gangster sales pitch we’re used to.

Yet, as much as his dark underbelly is exposed, Torpedo manages to live to fight another day, with his actions having little to no repercussion. This depicts a world so rotten that the protagonist is just another part of the rotten machinery, a worm crawling through a decaying apple, if you may.

Torpedo in the 70’s or the Persistence of Evil

Fast forward a few decades to ‘Torpedo 1972’, and we find an older but no wiser Torpedo. This sequel uncannily mirrors the anti-romanticism of the original, punctuating the timelessness of the world’s rotten core. As always, our debonair protagonist continues his ways, causing havoc on the streets of 70’s New York.

Do we need ‘Torpedo 1972’, you ask? Well, the original series was not exactly a literary masterpiece demanding a sequel. Yet, it offers a unique take on the typical gangster narrative, confidently presenting the horror of humanity at its lowest. And let’s be real, we love a good horror story – Edgar Allan Poe certainly knew a thing or two about that.

In a nutshell, both ‘Torpedo 1936’ and ‘Torpedo 1972’ aren’t traditional comics, so they won’t be everyone’s cup of tea. But if you’re up for a dive into the unfiltered underbelly of humanity, served with a generous side of sardonic wit, then add these to your reading list.

As for me? I’ll leave you with a gentle reminder – always remember to brace yourself before you dip your toes into dark waters. You never truly know how deep they go.