Written by guest contributor Lance Lambert

Copperhead is now on its eighth issue and it couldn’t be at a better point.  The story has developed wonderfully and the team has managed to create characters that keep the reader invested. There has not been a single boring issue and Copperhead #8 continues to carry the torch.

The issue opens with another scene involving Clare’s ex-husband, who is a prisoner in a galactic penitentiary. In his attempt to escape the prison, his past shows that he is not a force to be reckoned with. An unexpected reveal shows us there’s more at play in this scene. The issue then moves Boo’s trouble.  He has been kidnapped by the same notorious gang that was out to kill Clare.  Nestor, the immature bloodthirsty brother of Zolo, is upset with the way the situation is being handled.  Meanwhile, Zolo continues to stand up for his immature brother, revealing some information about his past.  When shit goes south and Boo attempts to escape, we see the slow break down of the power structure within the group.  The mysterious sniper reappears killing a member and failing to help Boo.  The issue closes with Nestor talking of mutiny and his brother Zolo brooding over the mess ups.

Copperhead’s previous issues have shown Faerber’s ability to craft some damn good characters.  The relationship between Boo and Clare has been a constant struggle.  We can tell that Boo is questioning himself and the situation.  Despite Clare’s attempts to show Boo respect, he continues to struggle with having to take orders, more specifically from a human woman. The society of Copperhead, much like our own, makes it difficult for outsiders and women to have positions of leadership. As Clare works to remove these social barriers, Boo’s perspective gradually changes. The problem is he’s not quite there yet. Faerber has created a situation where Boo doesn’t know whether Clare will come with aid or leave him to fend for himself. It speaks for his own ideology. Faerber is slowly unfolding the development of Boo and his inner struggle and its fantastic.  On opposite side of the moral spectrum we have the power struggle within the outlaws. Zolo’s loyalty to his brother shows his awareness of duty, despite his lifestyle. At the close of the issue we see the unity collapsing and Nestor being persuaded by Boo. There’s so much within each character, I can’t wait to see where Faerber takes these characters.

Faeber and Godlewski’s action scenes are well-paced and consistently brutal.  Boo rolls out of the cruiser and take matters into his own hands, literally killing one of the outlaws with his bare hands.  This is one upped with one of the thugs taking a massive gunshot to the chest. The Intense, quick shots are just as effective as the gore in providing a hard-hitting sci/fi-western. The opening scene is full of emotion and Godlewski effortlessly shows the connection between the characters.

Faeber has kept the writing strong and captivating in this second story arc and it looks like the team isn’t slowing down. Even when the plot slows down Faeber brings you in with amazing characters.  Godlewski is right behind with gnarly action scenes. Copperhead is remains on my pull list and won’t being going anywhere soon.

Score: 4/5

Copperhead #8 Writer: Jay Faerber Artist:  Scott Godlewski Publisher: Image Comics Price: $3.50 Release Date: 6/10/15 Format: Ongoing; Print/Digital