A well-plotted comic book is a thing of beauty. By now, on a series, readers are feeling confident in the story that they may even be able to predict accurately where it’s going and pat themselves on the back for feeling that way. That credit really goes to the writing because it’s skilled writing that allows you to figure it out and become so immersed in the story that you feel like you're driving the ship. [su_quote]Synopsis: Uh-oh, Goldie’s done it now! Her bitter rival, who also happens to be the owner’s daughter, has busted Goldie for her illegal actions from the first issue. The results are dire for her and her father, but she’s got a terrible plan to get them both out of trouble. What is it? More trouble![/su_quote]

What is to be appreciated about this story is the fact that it feels like an old fashioned gumshoe novel, without being terribly dated like one. And yet it keeps the visual aesthetic of the era. Instead of reworking the tropes to be modern and fitting like most comics do with this genre, Hope Larson has used the framework for her story. The mystery surrounding the necklace and Goldie’s chase of said necklace are what’s interesting, not the typical trope of seeing if a blonde will come in and set a trap for our private eye. That doesn’t mean that Lason’s ignores the tropes, but instead she re-works them in such a way that they’re barely noticeable. In many ways, Larson is writing Goldie Vance like the film Brick, and it’s really fucking good.

Without Brittney Williams artwork, the story isn’t as good. Williams' character designs, expressions, and attention to realistic details makes the artwork charming and brilliant. For instance, when Goldie is walking in the water and carrying her shoes. Such a small detail, but it’s realistic. It shows that even though she’s dirty and beat up that she’s not about to ruin her good pair of shoes. And then there’s Diane. First off all, I like that the love interest angle is subtle and not the focus of the story. It’s how it should be in all stories that aren't romance driven, subtle. I don’t need Goldie to shout from the hills because a talented artist like Williams can make her feelings noticeable with facial expressions. And it works. It really, really works. To the point that I smile when Goldie smiles like a goof.

Goldie Vance came out of nowhere and took me by surprise. I think it’s been buried a bit by all the other titles coming out from BOOM! and other publishers, but hopefully it’s getting some attention. It should be on everyone’s must read list and if it’s not, that’s not much of a list. If you haven’t already picked it up, then grab all three issues so that we might get a follow-up to this wonderful mini-series that’s one issue away from conclusion. See you next month, Goldie.

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