Well, well, well… it looks like I like this book a lot huh? Yes, I’m referring to the cover quote because I may as well address it with a “Thank you” and then move on to what’s going to be a glowing review either way. What’s stood out about this volume of Resident Alien is the fact that it didn’t start off with a dead body. In fact, we may not have a dead body at all (I’m not going to spoil it either way for you). Yet without a dead body there’s still a mystery and our Doctor Detective is still on a case which has managed to do a lot of character building for him. We can see how obsessed he is with mysteries and you have to wonder if it’s because his alien culture has no such thing. Either way it’s very interesting to see how in to the non-case case he is.
I’m hesitating writing the rest of this review because it’s a fantastic issue, but I worry that talking about it will ruin it for anyone that’s thinking of reading it. I’ll do my best to remain vague, but hopefully not so vague that you find this pointless to read.
Harry has begun reading the unpublished manuscript that he found in the ceiling of his office that the deceased doctor hid. The story is about a man and woman having an affair. The man’s wife is out of town for the summer and the two have that connection that you only read about in something like The Bridges of Madison County. It’s good stuff on its own, but then the twist in the story happens and it leaves Harry wondering a few things: was it written by Rex Monday? Is Rex Monday a woman? And is this story more autobiographical than fiction? Let’s just say that Harry’s “Watson” helps him with this one, but where the issue ends is very thrilling and has me excited for the conclusion which is pretty standard for this series.
Part of me hopes that this series can go on like this for a very long time. I love the mystery solving small town doctor, but then the government angle, with them tracking Harry lets me know that it can’t. But I can wonder how it will all play out since the government is months behind our main story. Will Harry even be there when they finally do find him or will the two storylines somehow connect in the end? I know that doesn’t have much to do with this particular issue, but that’s why I love this series, it makes you think about the overall journey while still enjoying what’s in front of you.
Peter Hogan’s writing is just wonderful. The way he crafts the story is masterful with so many layers and moving cogs all working at the same time. The last issue was enjoyable, but because it was so different from the other volumes I did wonder what it would do in the end, this issue blew me away and frankly it’s great to be surprised by a series after so many issues. In particular Hogan’s narration with the transcript is gripping and sucks you into the story just like Harry.
Complimenting Hogan’s writing is the masterful Steve Parkhouse. Parkhouse’s style is one that I’ve personally come to love. Both creators have gotten to the point that I would follow their work no matter where they went, but I’m very happy to see them continue Resident Alien. Parkhouse shines with this issue as he creates the world of the transcript. It feels different from the main story which is important because there should be that question of whether it’s real or not.
This issue is fantastic and that’s no bullshit. I’m really looking forward to the conclusion because I honestly don’t know how it’s going to play out. Will it be calm and peaceful or will there be a twist that elevates this story to a new level? Honestly either ending would be enjoyable and wonderful, but I’m sure the creators will curve ball me which is another reason I continue to read Resident Alien.
Score: 5/5
Resident Alien: The Sam Hain Mystery #2 Writer: Peter Hogan Artist: Steve Parkhouse Publisher: Dark Horse Comics Price: $3.99 Release Date: 6/24/15 Format: Mini-Series; Print/Digital