To say that I’ve been looking forward to Drifter’s return is a bit of an understatement. There’s a been a Drifter shaped hole in my heart since it took a break to ramp up the next story arc of the series. Then I read the issue and was a little underwhelmed.

I re-read it, like I always do with Drifter and I couldn’t help but feel the same way. It’s not that nothing happens, it’s just that it honestly felt different from the first arc. Ivan Brandon continues to make small steps forward on the plot rather than lengthy strides because that’s what works for this story. We’re introduced to a lot of small elements that enrich the world, but I don’t know if they did anything for this particular issue. In a way this is just a set up issue for what’s going to come and that’s a first in this series.

As for what happens in the actual issue? Well someone dies, there’s a couple of funerals and a new deputy. Then half the town decides to voyage further than they’ve ever been to find the rest of the shipwreck to salvage parts to protect the town. That’s really all that happens and while all of that is actually pretty great in terms of the series, it’s just not as good as when we last saw the series.

Nic Klein’s art continues to be wonderful and is definitely still some of the best in the industry. There are two moments that popped visually for me… okay three, but these visuals didn’t help the narrative any which is a shame. Overall though I still love the way Klein has built this world and the unique character designs that range from all shapes and sizes. It’s a very worldly feeling cast which is pretty rare in comics.

I wish there was more to say about this issue, but again it’s all set up for the next issue/arc. This issue is solid, but it’s not the fantastic return I was hoping for. But let me be clear, this is still worth reading if you’ve been following the series and though it dips on the story, it’s still worth a purchase.

Score: 3/5

Drifter #6 Writer: Ivan Brandon Artist: Nic Klein Publisher: Image Comics Price: $3.50 Format: Ongoing; Print/Digital