After a run of some lackluster issues that offered much promise and then pulled the rug out from under me, I took a little break from Manifest Destiny.  I found that the continual rise up and then knock me down routine was becoming ponderous. I needed a break and I took one.  I am very glad that I did. Coming back to the series on the openings of a new arc was wise as it allowed me to return to the series to a space that I love, which is the majesty and glory of writer Charles Dingess and artist Matthew Roberts’ celebration of exploration and the supernatural.  Like the Lewis and Clark of this series, I entered back in with a curious sense of wonderment that made me enjoy this issue after a string of crummy ones. Thank you.

With a new arc, we find our expedition a little bit thinner in its numbers after its latest monster encounter.  Things have eased up a little bit and people are starting to become more relaxed and back in their element… Enter the next mysterious arch…

With each giant natural arch, a new malady has been inflicted on our crew and this one looks like it will be no different.  Naturally, the guys must investigate and with the aid of their (pregnant and much sicker) guide Sacagawea, they venture back into the wilderness to see what this peculiar arch is made of and as to what it enters into. It might just get a little messy.

The nice element that I found refreshing with this issue was the character interactions.  I believe that from the writing standpoint, Charles Dingess has really let loose of a good one here.  We have a healthy mix of journal writing (from others than just Lewis) character development, and visual cues provided by Matthew Roberts that makes this one a pretty solid issue all the way around.

I have always been a huge fan of Roberts’ art with strong color by Owen Gienni.  But I have found that the writing typically didn’t match up.  That is not the case here and I see Dingess really rising the occasion, making this a nice change of pace that has warmed me back up to the title.  They have me back.

This issue is heavy on dialogue with much less action than in previous issues, but it works to establish the action that will certainly follow as we get led to a feathery cliffhanger at the end that will no doubt put the party back into harm’s way.  Adding the side details that were put in with this issue just makes whatever outcome that occurs just a little bit more interesting.

But alas, I have been down that road with this title, only to be disappointed later on.  I am cautiously optimistic however that things may be headed in the right direction as I see strong writing elements in Dingess that are matching Roberts’ continually exceptional art. The potential is there and I so want this one to be good.  Let’s hope that this will be the case.  Let’s go guys, dazzle me, please.  You do have my attention again. This could be the start of something real good.

Score: 3/5

Manifest Destiny #13 Writer: Charles Dingess Artist: Matthew Roberts Colorist: Owen Gienni Publisher: Image/Skybound Price: $2.99 Release Date: 2/18/15 Format: Ongoing; Print/Digital