Manifest Destiny has been one of those refreshing “retellings” of history that offers the standard Lewis and Clark tale with an undersided “secret” mission of cataloging and clearing the unexplained as well as the unexplored that we are aware of from the history books. The first two issues have worked perfectly with the early part of the adventure teasing the reader with objects and creatures of the bizarre. We have been given a small taste of things to come. Issue three has left the small taste and has gone on a full assault of the reader. The party has been ruthlessly pursued by a group of what I guess you could call man-eating bison/centaurs. Some of the party was lost, but they were able to make it to their destination of the settlement of La Charette. Unfortunately, just because they are at a settlement, doesn’t necessarily mean they are safe. Something green, slimy and dangerous awaits them from within as the bison/centaur men wait from the outside. It’s is one tough predicament full of suspense, intrigue, and just excellent fun reading.
Matthew Roberts’ artwork has had a majestic quality to it in previous issues. But here, he has adjusted to more of a dark horror mode that works great for the action that is loaded within these pages. It is as if the party has begun to mature and understand the seriousness of their situation. Charles Dingess likewise has begun to add some substance to his characters. They are beginning to be fleshed out as they are being forced to deal with creepy unknowns at every turn. The dialogue is real and believable for a story that deals with such bizarre creatures. The banter between the party has a good flow that builds in its intensity as each obstacle is occurred.
I can only say that after reading the first three issues of Manifest Destiny that it has continued to build in excitement and story with each successive issue. It is building onto each issue getting just better and better. If you are looking for a title that is a little bit different, yet full of adventure, excitement, and some elements of horror with stunningly beautiful artwork and writing, then this one is right up your alley.
Score: 4/5
Writer: Charles Dingess Artist: Matthew Roberts Publisher: Image/Skybound Entertainment Price: $2.99 Release Date: 1/8/14