I’m new to the forum but have been reading Repairman Jack for a long time; this month’s newsletter mentioned not pursuing the Nightkill/Jack Nacht series because of the similarities to RJ. I think this would be a shame because while there are some definite similarities between the characters, they are really on two very different paths. RJ, to me, is the man who remains true to who and what he is. He is immutable and steadfast, when it would be easier to change. Sure, he’s mellowed a bit over the years (the love of a good partner with a lot of patience will do that…my wife will vouch for that), but he remains RJ at the core of who and what he is. He’s a man who will not swerve from his path, who needs to see justice, or at least fairness, is done. I imagine it’s what the Ally finds so appealing in RJ, not so much a moral code, but a need for balance and order (RJ’s “righting” wrongs by repairing the people and situations he’s brought into). RJ’s story is about not changing, staying true to what you believe is right and seeing it done, no matter the cost.
Jack Nacht is really at the opposite end of the spectrum. Here is a guy who’s only emotional relationship (prior to the middle of the story) was with a “father” who adopted him only to use him as a hunting trophy (reminded me of the classic “Most Dangerous Game”). He’s (understandably) emotionally damaged and pursues a morally wrong path and only at the end of the story, begins to find his path to redemption. JN’s story is about change and redemption; can he change, can he atone for what he’s done, can he evolve into a “normal” person. I don’t think folks would feel JN is simply a retread RJ; maybe at one level he’s what RJ might have become, had circumstances been different, or maybe RJ is what he might, in time, become closer to. Or maybe, facing the end of the RJ series, I would love to have another character and story to read as compelling and interesting as RJ’s has been over the years.
Please reconsider the JN/Nightkill series! Thanks for all of your stories.
John