Right from the start, I completely fell for this story. I know that I mentioned in my review for the first issue that I never really got into monkey books. And I didn’t. I still don’t, but this doesn’t feel like a monkey book. I don’t even notice that the characters are all a bunch of monkeys. I’m using that term loosely by the way. The overall story combined with the very moving and dramatic dialogue tells a story that could quite possibly entertain any reader interested in this particular medium. Monkeybrain, it seems, has yet another winner. This publisher has done so much to impress me in the past year or so, that I would almost sign on for whatever they announced next, for as long as they announced new books. Michael Moreci and Steve Seeley make you feel like you’re a part of the team. That you’re along for the ride. It doesn’t feel like you’re reading a story, it feels like you’re watching it happen in the best seat in the house. Just take that for what it’s worth I guess. An ultimatum has been presented to the Prime-8’s by The Greatest Dane and his sidekick The Pugglist. Either reveal their true identities, or be served up a doggy bag of justice. You can quote me on that. While that already seems like a big enough problem, The Mandrill is dealing with a personal battle that dates back to the glory days of The Prime-8’s. I love flashbacks, man.

Not that I really need to go into any more detail about the script, but I was so impressed this month. I can’t remember the last time that I read a current comic book series that had the ability to connect me to the characters so well. It was just an overall enjoyable experience. These guys know what they’re doing. Versatile is the first adjective that comes to mind. Back when I was so wrong to doubt a book by its cover back at issue #1, I am glad to say this time that I didn’t care at all that this series wouldn’t normally be on my pull list. Just opening it at all would have taken me far beyond my comfort zone.

And I guess that this brings me to the art. I know that I mentioned earlier that I didn’t really notice that the main characters were monkeys, but I wasn’t ignorant to the very talented work by Kyle Latino. I’m really digging his style. I’m not exactly sure if there is something specific about it that I like, or that maybe it’s just the overall feel and how the book comes together between the covers. Is it bad that I can’t quite put my finger on why I like it, or does it even really matter? Obviously he’s doing something right.

So there you have it. It’s been a nice long wait since the first issue came out, but it was well worth it. One thing that I know for sure though, if this story continues to stay excellent like this, it’s going to get harder and harder to stay patient in between issues. My patience wore out a long time ago.

Score: 5/5

Writers: Michael Moreci and Steve Seeley Artist: Kyle Latino Publisher: Monkeybrain Comics Price: .99 cents Release Date: 2/12/14