Written by Guest Contributor: Jordan North I think the reason BPRD is so satisfying to me is that, despite the super violence and the high body count it offers a decidedly light, digestible almost television show pace and quality for me that other comics just don’t match; the cast of archetypes, the infighting, the how-are-they-gonna-manage-this-one quality of it all. BPRD offers a dish I can’t get anywhere else.

This issue sees some of the highest stakes yet as our group of agents make their way into the city to see what’s left and try to rendezvous with some other agents and boost their chances. Of course in traditional sci-fi horror manner all of them are dead. All except one that is but more on that in a second.

How chilling is it when we hear Lucas call out Becca's name and she turns to see that, “I found momma...she’s okay.” as the little boy holds the hand of his terribly mutated mother? God that was good. And the heartbreak as, in order to save him Becca is forced to take the life of the only thing he has left in the world. Good shit. Really... wow. Its moments like this that takes BPRD from a basic man vs. monsters story to something... better.

Back with the rest of the group the situation is pretty hopeless as the whole monster-ized population of Chicago is banging on their door. That is until Agent Howard; last survivor of his unit springs into action, for some reason wielding a broadsword, and hacks apart that which half-a-dozen automatic weapons could not. Thank god for generic last-of-his-whatever types.

BPRD is never anything less than good fun (it’s also always stunningly beautiful). A popcorn book if you will, and for it there are few, if any substitutes.

Score: 5/5

Writers: Mike Mignola and John Arcudi

Artist: Laurence Campbell

Publisher: Dark Horse

Price: $3.50

Release Date: 7/17/13