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24: Legacy: Rules of Engagement
Today, Eric Carter is a happily married man, a veteran of the Army Rangers, and a hero-the leader of the covert ops squad that took down an infamous terroist leader. But years ago, Carter was a much different man. He was a drug dealer on the violent streets of southeast Washington D.C., forced to be a soldier long before he ever joined the army.
These are the stories of how Eric Carter became who he is now. These are the stories of how he was forged into a weapon.
These are the stories of how Eric Carter became who he is now. These are the stories of how he was forged into a weapon.
120 pages, Paperback
Published January 16, 2018
About the author
Christopher Farnsworth
24 books1,250 followersChristopher Farnsworth is the author of ten books, including FLASHMOB, KILLFILE, and the PRESIDENT'S VAMPIRE series. He is currently writing the Jesse Stone books for the Estate of Robert B. Parker. His work has been translated into ten languages, published in a dozen territories worldwide, and optioned for film and television.
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
January 30, 2021
I had no idea these comics had even been released, but I was pleasantly surprised to find they existed given the fact that 24: Underground was such a good story. 24 Legacy was a bold move for the 24 franchise, it was the first season made without Keifer Sutherland reprising the role of Jack Bauer. In fact, this was a completely different approach to the 24 story, in the sense that the star involved didn't already work CTU or was really involved with that branch of government.
It seemed to me that the 24 Legacy series didn't really take off, which is kind of sad, because it was an excellent installment to the series and it would have been great to see more. Alas, it looks like my only "more" aspect will be these comic books.
"Rules of Engagement" is sort of like Eric Carter's "Nightfall". This series gives us insight and background into Carter's past with telling two different aspects of his life. I have to give praise to the writers because they've managed to make this story work very well with no confusion while switching between two themes rather regularly. Here we see Eric in his much younger years growing up on the streets with his brother and gives us further insight into the split the two brothers rather felt by the time the series aired. In addition, we get to see a bit of Eric's time with the Rangers, which kicked off the problems in the TV series.
In the usual 24 style, this was a very action packed and exciting series. The authors did a great job of keeping the action and suspense growing throughout the series and I'm glad I had all the issues in my possession instead of having to wait every month! So, if you enjoyed 24 Legacy, I would say this is fairly essential reading and I doubt you'll be disappointed.
It seemed to me that the 24 Legacy series didn't really take off, which is kind of sad, because it was an excellent installment to the series and it would have been great to see more. Alas, it looks like my only "more" aspect will be these comic books.
"Rules of Engagement" is sort of like Eric Carter's "Nightfall". This series gives us insight and background into Carter's past with telling two different aspects of his life. I have to give praise to the writers because they've managed to make this story work very well with no confusion while switching between two themes rather regularly. Here we see Eric in his much younger years growing up on the streets with his brother and gives us further insight into the split the two brothers rather felt by the time the series aired. In addition, we get to see a bit of Eric's time with the Rangers, which kicked off the problems in the TV series.
In the usual 24 style, this was a very action packed and exciting series. The authors did a great job of keeping the action and suspense growing throughout the series and I'm glad I had all the issues in my possession instead of having to wait every month! So, if you enjoyed 24 Legacy, I would say this is fairly essential reading and I doubt you'll be disappointed.
June 23, 2026
I watched 24: Legacy when it aired, so I don't remember everything about the show or the characters. That being said, Rules of Engagement is a perfectly serviceable miniseries for anyone with even a vague recollection of the character of Eric Carter.
These five issues are split between 2005 in Washington, DC -- when Carter was a small-time criminal with his brother -- and 2007 in Iraq -- when Carter was in the military. Events in both timelines mirror each other in a way that feels satisfying rather than hokey. It's obvious that his experience in DC informed him, making him quick on his feet, tough, but also compassionate about those around him. There's not *much* story in these issues, as Carter deals with some missing money in Iraq and gang/cop stuff in DC, but it kept my interest and didn't overstay its welcome. I don't remember how relevant any of this background really is for the show, but it was an enjoyable read.
This is my first 24 comic, and I wasn't sure exactly how much it would feel like 24. The answer: Not very much. The art is stylized and doesn't look much like a realistic TV show -- which I think is a good choice -- and I especially enjoyed the bright colors and big BANG letters that captured the chaos during gunfights. It was interesting to see heavy "color grading" as well, with DC covered in blues and Iraq in yellows and oranges. I always knew where each panel was taking place, which I appreciate (some tie-in comics don't pay attention to things like this, making me confused about who is where and what's happening).
The one thing that didn't really work for me was the one real attempt to emulate 24: each issue ended with a series of word-less panels mashing up where everyone is and what they're doing, like how each episode of the show ends with a look at the current state of major characters as the clock ticks over to the next hour. But without a 24-hour clock mechanic in the comic (itself probably the right decision), these end pages are entirely forgettable and do nothing to build tension in the way the show did so well.
Overall, I wasn't blown away by Rules of Engagement but I was surprised at how much I enjoyed it. It's a solid tie-in comic and easy to recommend if you enjoyed 24: Legacy, although it doesn't offer much for other readers.
These five issues are split between 2005 in Washington, DC -- when Carter was a small-time criminal with his brother -- and 2007 in Iraq -- when Carter was in the military. Events in both timelines mirror each other in a way that feels satisfying rather than hokey. It's obvious that his experience in DC informed him, making him quick on his feet, tough, but also compassionate about those around him. There's not *much* story in these issues, as Carter deals with some missing money in Iraq and gang/cop stuff in DC, but it kept my interest and didn't overstay its welcome. I don't remember how relevant any of this background really is for the show, but it was an enjoyable read.
This is my first 24 comic, and I wasn't sure exactly how much it would feel like 24. The answer: Not very much. The art is stylized and doesn't look much like a realistic TV show -- which I think is a good choice -- and I especially enjoyed the bright colors and big BANG letters that captured the chaos during gunfights. It was interesting to see heavy "color grading" as well, with DC covered in blues and Iraq in yellows and oranges. I always knew where each panel was taking place, which I appreciate (some tie-in comics don't pay attention to things like this, making me confused about who is where and what's happening).
The one thing that didn't really work for me was the one real attempt to emulate 24: each issue ended with a series of word-less panels mashing up where everyone is and what they're doing, like how each episode of the show ends with a look at the current state of major characters as the clock ticks over to the next hour. But without a 24-hour clock mechanic in the comic (itself probably the right decision), these end pages are entirely forgettable and do nothing to build tension in the way the show did so well.
Overall, I wasn't blown away by Rules of Engagement but I was surprised at how much I enjoyed it. It's a solid tie-in comic and easy to recommend if you enjoyed 24: Legacy, although it doesn't offer much for other readers.
March 23, 2019
This is a well-plotted story that provides good background and insight into the characters that feature in the series.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews