Reviewer: Mathan Erhardt
Story Title: Act II
Written by: Jason Hall
Penciled and Inked by: Cliff Chiang
Colored by: Dave Stewart
Lettered by: John Workman
Editor: Will Dennis
Publisher: Vertigo/DC Comics
This issue begins with the Creeper continuing her assault on the Arbogast family, by stealing the family jewels, and setting off a chain of events that eventually leads to her name and catchphrase. Judith makes an appearance looking none the worse after last issues events. Madeline and Inspector Allain share a couple of encounters. But of course the Inspector is still after Judith personally and professionally.
The Creeper causes a scene (and by scene I mean one to rival an infamous scene in “Stand by Meâ€) at the Arbogast Bastille Day dinner party. Didi, the prostitute, begins to suspect Mathieu Arbogast of being the guy who is assaulting the working girls, while Mathieu begins to suspect Judith may have a connection to the assaults on his family. Finally the issue ends with The Creeper striking at the future of the Arbogast family.
Hall is doing an amazing job with this book. Every character is distinct. The issue leaves you salivating for more. He raises so many questions this issue. What is Madeline hiding? What does The Creeper want? Who is The Creeper? What is the deal with Mathieu and his mother? Personally I think I figured it out, but who cares. With a read as great as this is, going along for the ride is half of the fun.
The art is superb. Chiang’s work is stellar. Chiang does an amazing job of making The Creeper look threatening or mischievous, depending on the situation. But Stewart shines with the colors. Check out how the candles still light up the table after The Creeper cuts the lights on page 14. Or the messy faces on the same page. Or Madeline’s soiled gloves on page 20. Little details like those make this a feast for the eyes. The off kilter cover again grabs your attention and lures you in.
This book has jumped to the top of my reading list. It has bumped 100 Bullets and Y the Last Man down a notch as my must reads every month. Whatever you are reading isn’t as good as this title. Pick up the first issue, and then buy this one. Trust me.
