Creating great comics is a team activity, and every member plays a vital role. Yet often the efforts of the letterer go unremarked. You can see how Dave Sharpe's sound effects enhance this scene, as Bloodshot, Wiggans, and KT prepare to enter the water.
The lake is far from calm on this dark night.
An angular figure observes them, sheltered by shadow. You can tell right away by Dave Sharpe's lettering that he's not like the Humans he's watching.
I love how the jagged dialogue balloons indicate the characters are talking via radio. The bold lettering indicates this isn't just a minor throat irritation on Wiggans' part. And from the direction of the lightning bolts attached to the balloons, you know Bloodshot is swimming above him.
We hear the hiss, and the sound of ionized air, as the observer's gun fires. Watch out, Bloodshot!
Wow! So many demonstrations of the letterer's art in these two panels. From the way the observer talks, we know he's not Human. The WOK sound effect shows how hard a punch the observer has landed. Poor KT! Bloodshot stresses to Wiggans that he's seen the observer before, back when he was attacked by Black Bar. (Not a happy memory). Finally, the way Bloodshot names their attacker is just, well, stunning.
Readers don't often discuss the crucial role a letterer plays in crafting compelling comics. But maybe they ought to. Why not rectify that oversight today, when you head down to your local comic shop, and purchase your copy of Bloodshot #11?
Great job, letterer Dave Sharpe! Really beautifully done!
Dragon Dave
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