It’s been a little bit since we last saw Tomboy. This issue eases us back in which is smart writing from creator Mia Goodwin. If she had chosen another bloody murder scene that would have been very off-putting. Instead we start with our corrupt police officer and see that he’s just a regular guy when he’s away from the office. He’s hanging out with his former partner’s wife and kid and clearly it’s one of those situations in which he’s developed feelings for the family. Meanwhile Addison’s friend Jessica has been taken by the corrupt cop just after her father passed along a thumbdrive with all the evidence of Trent’s wrongdoings. Addison wants to save her friend, but her grandpa tells her that she’s risking everyone’s lives and that her friend will never look at her the same again. Tough choices are ahead for her.
What’s really interesting about the story is that even though there’s all this corruption, the two original murders and all of Addison’s murders that followed have spelled the end for Trent no matter what. It’s snowballing as more and more people turn on her and while I don’t think the ending will be happy in any capacity, at least the bad guy is destined to get what’s coming to her.
Goodwin’s artwork continues to be animated and flow naturally. I’ve said it before and I’ll continue to say it, Goodwin doesn’t waste a panel. Even simple things like a fallen flower is just poetic and plays to the story. The strongest parts of the issue were hands down the opening and the ending. They tie together which is what makes them so good, but almost all of it is the visuals. The simple touches like photos and cutting away from violence.
Goodwin’s writing hasn’t stumbled in the least bit. As I said, she wisely eases us back into the story. It’s not an issue for new readers to jump on to, but rather the start of the second story arc. Sure a new reader could start here but it’s more of a reminder for current readers and I wish more comics would do this. What I continue to find incredible about Goodwin’s writing is the fact that she juggles so many characters, but keeps them and the story moving. The characters don’t bog the story down, nor does it feel like Goodwin is forcing them upon the story so we don’t forget about the. Everyone moves the story and plays a role in the plot.
Michelle Wong joins this issue as the colorist. She keeps the book looking like Goodwin’s previous coloring which is nice. I honestly wouldn’t have known it was any different without the credit page. It’s consistent, it looks good and it keeps the feel and intensity that Goodwin established so kudos to Wong. I look forward to seeing her coloring on the rest of the arc.
This was a happy return for me this week. There was some good comics I read this week and some bad, but thankfully this was on the former's list. Tomboy is currently one of my top books closely tied with Henchgirl. They’re very different comics, but they’re both a single vision from a creator at the top of their storytelling. If you’re curious about this series, grab the first trade and get caught up.
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Tomboy #5 Creator: Mia Goodwin Colorist: Michelle Wong Publisher: Action Lab/Danger Zone Price: $3.99 Release Date: 5/25/16 Format: Ongoing; Print/Digital
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