The world of the Dreamscape gets further exploration in this third issue.  Particular details such as the color hue of the realm being affected by Fashion Week in the waking world make for interesting elements.  Unfortunately, the featured characters policing the world don’t feel as interesting anymore. The same possible threat haunts Detective Joe Thursday.  At this point I don’t know if that poses a greater danger to the overall Dreamscape because there is no imposing sense of dread.  With only an immediate suggested threat to Thursday, the sense of drama does not feel heightened.

The overall storyline does not feel like it advances at all with this latest issue.  If JMS did interweave some form of a governing plot element into this chapter, he did so with such clandestine effect that readers won’t be able to detect it.

Joe still suffers from images of a man claiming to be his partner.  Meanwhile, he investigates a “Code Red”: a Dream Policeman roughing up a dreamer to the point of instigating mental damage.

Sid Kotian makes the Joe’s visage too similar to other characters.  For instance, when Joe sneaks a peek into the “Black Files,” someone comes to notify him that an eyewitness may assist in the investigation.  The two look so similar that some confusion may arise.  Also, Joe Thursday’s facial expressions are indecipherable; I cannot tell if he’s taking a huge dump or losing his mind.

The investigation wraps up with Kate (Thursday’s partner?) adding some needed clues.  Meanwhile, the audience with more unanswered questions: Is there some great plot tied up with the man claiming to be Joe’s former partner?  If so, why aren’t we given better clues to understand the implication?

I hope that the crime in the last issue and the one in this issue connect in some way to make a great conclusion that will leave readers cheering the people behind the pages.  For now, readers get a standard crime book with uninspired crimes in a slightly interesting environment.

Score: 2/5

Writer: J. Michael Straczynski Artist: Sid Kotian Publisher: Image/ Joe’s Comics Price: $2.99 Release Date: 6/25/14 Format: Mini-Series, Print/Digital