It’s been some time since I remember reading any of Peter Milligan’s work. In fact I think that last time his name jumped out at me was his run on Animal Man, amply filling the shoes of Grant Morrison with such creations as the Nowhere Man and the Front Page. As much as Grant’s run sticks in my mind, that subsequent storyline has also stayed in my memory over the years.  (I would love to see Nowhere and the Front Page again.)

Fancying something a little different, I grabbed Greek Street #12 this week, jumping into the middle of a storyline (I think), not having a clue who any of the characters are. I cannot speak for the story developments as I don’t know what came before, but I found it very very moving.

I would not call it easy to read, but neither was it easy to put down. Dealing with such topics as returning (and readjusting) to civilian life after a tour of duty in Afghanistan, and the memories of decisions and mistakes that were made while out there.

The significance of a greek-helmeted zombie/spectre eluded me, but that aside my heart  went out to all the characters featured in this opening chapter of a new story ark ‘Ajax’. The soldier haunted by one overly nervous (and trigger happy) moment, never mind that he had fallen afoul of a visiting government Minister and wary of seeking help for his mental health lest he be labeled forever as a nutcase within the forces. The boy who saw his father gunned down from the soldiers lapse of judgement.  The girlfriend of the soldier, trying desperately to understand the ghosts tormenting her man but having no real frame of reference.

In the Iliad, Ajax is notable for his abundant strength and courage, seen particularly in two fights with Hector.  If he is the spectre that keeps appearing, that would make sense for me. The tormented Alex demonstrates an inner strength to be surviving from day to day even in such a damaged state, never mind taking any steps towards rebuilding of his life.

I will be picking up the next issue, and part of me hopes that spectre with play a greater role, as this issue seemed just too real for me, maybe more than watching any documentary about the wars on the goggle box can be. For emotional impact I give this full marks.