Reviewer: Mathan Erhardt
Story Title: Staring at the Wall
Written by: Mike Carey
Penciled and Inked by: Marcelo Frusin
Colored by: Lee Loughridge
Lettered by: Clem Robbins
Editor: Will Dennis
Publisher: Vertigo/DC Comics
The issue begins with random acts of madness. We then move to an abandoned hotel where John Constantine has gathered some old friends, much to their chagrin. We also get to see Angie (John’s current flame) visit her institutionalized brother Jason, who is feeling much better. So much better in fact that hew wants to be discharged and show Constantine his artwork
After that we go back to John’s gathering, where John makes everyone swear to his or her identity. Then we see some more madness. Then back to John trying to convince his rag tag bunch of magicians to fight an impending doom, but to no avail. Meanwhile this same ancient doom attempts to attack Jason while he and Angie are en route to John’s get together. But when Jason arrives, it looks as though the party is just beginning.
I like this issue. With this issue I see how Cary has been building since he took over this book. I really like that this is the story he’s been alluding to. My favorite scenes are the ones dealing with the newfound madness in the world. Carey is doing some mighty fine work.
I am a fan of Frusin’s art. But this issue kind of left me flat. I felt that some panels looked rushed. It didn’t feel as smooth around the edges as it has in the past. It still looks good, but not great. Everyone else did a fine job as usual. Maybe I’m just holding Frusin up to impossibly high standards. It’s just that something felt a bit off.
