Steve Niles has done it yet again. Some crazy stuff be happening this month! I shouldn’t have been as shocked by the events of this book as I was. If only I had just paid more attention to the cover. Either way, it doesn’t matter; I loved my own reactions as that crazy stuff that I mentioned earlier was happening. I’m sad to see this arc come to an end, but I can definitely see how this is going to open up all kinds of different story ideas for the gentlemen working on this book. I knew from the second I glanced at the first page that I would be enjoying this issue from beginning to end. It’s amazing how sometimes a simple drawing combined with brilliant narration can just get you ready for a story so completely. The first page definitely did that. I guess that I shouldn’t use the word “simple” when referring to Christopher Mitten’s art, but I think you get the idea. So Hemlock is just as much of a scumbag as Cal said he was, big surprise. He wants Cal’s newly obtained power for himself. And he’s got him right where he wants him. I guess that Cal should have seen it coming, but the guy seemed honest enough when he helped obtain a new pair of eyes for Adam. Anyway, Hemlock has sent some pretty tough demons to take out Cal, but it doesn’t look like he’ll be going down without a fight.

Steve does a good job bringing this arc to an end. Ultimately though, I think that the fact that he has created yet another awesome set of problems, or problem rather, for Cal to deal with in the coming months is the most important part. The dialogue between Cal and Hemlock is very classically written. You have the stereotypical power-hungry villain explaining his diabolical plan to the hero. It kinda felt like there was a bit of James Bond-esque type storytelling going on in here. Of course, once Hemlock started sicking some major baddies on Cal, that all changed. I can’t remember the last time James Bond was surrounded by a group of flying demons ready to tear the flesh from his bones.

I touched on Mitten’s art briefly in the intro, but I wanted to make sure that everyone reading this review gets that there is some pretty ridiculous stuff in here. Especially toward the end. The last few pages of this book are so good that I actually moved this book up a few slots on my pull list for next time. I’m actually just referring to the order in which I read my comics, by the way. Not trying to put any pressure on you, Chris, but this is quality stuff. Do it again please. Thank you.

Of course, I have no idea when the next time will be that Steve will grace us with another Cal McDonald mystery, but I can’t wait. But until then, I will definitely be gaining some grey hairs in anticipation.

Score: 5/5

Writer: Steve Niles Artist: Christopher Mitten Publisher: Dark Horse Comics Price: $3.99 Release Date: 12/18/13