I honestly don’t know where to start. The amount of parallel stories in this series right now is starting to overwhelm me a little bit. But I want to clarify something, the fact that there is a lot going on isn’t keeping me from enjoying this arc, I’m just having a hard time figuring out what I want to say about it. I kinda love it. But you try to sit down and review a comic book series that’s much more in depth than anything else that you have the pleasure of reading. I’ll say this for sure, things aren’t getting any better in the Mignolaverse. I read everything that goes along with the B.P.R.D. continuity, and I must admit that something bad is going to happen soon. And Abe Sapien is no different. Now that Abe has saved the residents of a small town in Arizona, another menace has risen to finish off the rest of the survivors. Will Abe be able to pull himself together and put a stop to the evil that threatens to devour this town?
In this issue we get to see something that is becoming somewhat normal in this series, Abe’s vulnerability. I can’t tell now if Abe has any intention of trying to prove his innocence for sins past, or if he’s just running away from anything that connects him to the B.P.R.D. I really like this series, but I’m starting to think that maybe I don’t get it like I used to. Abe has always been my favorite character in this universe, but I think I’m ready for him to buck up and grow a pair. Come on, man. Get out there and get back in the game. You’re wasting time out there. Sure, there are people out in this wasteland that need help, but either get it together and take control of the situation, or return to the only people who have ever cared about you, and assist them in their fight.
Of course, Fiumara’s art continues to impress. In my opinion, he’ll hold the title for “best depiction of Abe” for a very long time, or however long he decides to spend on the series. And what would this series be if the main character’s design was sub-par? And I think that I’ve mentioned it before, but the use of shadows is still the most impressive thing about the art. Specifically speaking though, every panel of the graveyard scene is complete visual poetry. That stuff alone is worth the price tag.
I’m still waiting to see what will be the next turning point in the series. At this rate, it could be anything. I’m starting to think that the only thing that will get Abe back on track is a kick in the butt by Hellboy himself, but he’s a little preoccupied right now (you know, with being in Hell and everything). For now, Abe Sapien is staying in my pull list, but I can’t wait for a reunion. That would hook me indefinitely.
Score: 4/5
Writer: Mike Mignola and Scott Allie Artist: Max Fiumara Publisher: Dark Horse Comics Price: $3.50 Release Date: 2/12/14