Family Bones tells the story of Sean, an urban teen sent to live with his grandparents while his parents deal with problems at home. Unfortunately, his grandfather’s poor health means that he ends up staying with his aunt and uncle, Ray and Faye Copeland. He quickly discovers Raye to be mean, violent, and perhaps dangerous.
This is based on true story of Ray and Faye Copeland, and this story got me curious about just what their story is and I couldn’t help but look into it. I don’t just how closely Granger intends to stick to the Copeland’s story, so if you’re trying to avoid spoilers don’t read the next paragraph.
Ray and Faye Copeland were the oldest people to ever be sentenced to death in the US. Raye was a thief and forger who had been in and out of jail many times. He’d write bad cheques for livestock at auctions and then turn around and sell them. After getting caught he decided to get others to write the bad cheques; drifters who’d be out of the area soon. When one of them testified against him he varied the process again. He made sure none of them could testify against him. One that got away called the police. Five bodies were found on their farm and as many as seven more may have been killed. The murder weapon, a rifle, was found in the Copeland home; as were quilts Faye made from the clothes of the victims. Both were sentenced to death. He died while waiting. Her sentence was commuted to life, and, after suffering a stroke, she was paroled and died in a nursing home.
In issue two of Family Bones we meet Wendy, a young neighbour who has moved to the area with her mother, and gives the issue elements of sexual tension and humour. Actually, this issue introduces a lot of elements. We know that Raye and their hired hand are up to something, and that the hired hand is getting the short end of whatever it is. And we learn that Fay is quite proud of her quilts. An element of mindless violence and bloodshed is also foreshadowed.
A different artist is onboard, and, while I have nothing against last issue’s, I have to admit I prefer Bellido. Family Bones will have a new artist with each issue. It will provide a good experience for each of them, but there is an inconsistent look among characters. The two versions of Sean, for example, look nothing alike. Issue two also has a lot more dialogue. Granger is a strong enough writer to let the artists tell his story, so I think this change can be attributed to Wendy’s introduction (she gives Sean someone his own age to tell to).
Issue #2 ships in June. |
