IDW Publishing 2015
Written by Chris Ryall
Pencils by Ilias Kyriazis
Inksy by John Livesay
Colours by Leonard O’Grady
So last issue Estelle found Dirk and ended up having her life force drained and turned into a living mummy and Bill found Dirk and company at Central Caffe. Oh and Craig has betrayed Neferhotep and is with Dirk bringing us somewhat hastily up to date.
For those of you who aren’t as familiar with Dirks Gently, by Douglas Adams, I have to tell you 1. you should find a novel 2. you should find the British television series because either one will show that Chris has kept the feel, tone and behavior of Dirks spot on and sheer delight to witness in this medium. The whole time that Bill is waving his gun around and Dirk and Craig are talking about Crowther’s phone i’m literally on the verge of peeing hysterically because it’s that perfect.
I can’t give away what happens but we all know Bill isn’t a nice man, he and his wife have been emulating serial killers and crossing names off a list after they’ve killed in the same manner. Only now he’s looking for his wife and everything happening here is kind of maddening to him, especially Dirks odd behavior. So in the interconnectedness of all things Crowther’s phone and Craig are totally meant to be in this place at this time. That we get such a fantastical story here that goes so far outside the norm of a Detective story shouldn’t surprise anyone but in a manner it’s seeming ridiculousness should. It all works though so that you read the story, look at the artwork and think damn how do they come up with this?
By the way all of you, whomever thought to put him there, the homage visage on page six, well with all the cover and intro etc page 13, was brilliantly done. A real classy move and much appreciative bravisimo!
So the rest of the issue is kind of like playing catch up as Dirks leaves a message for Kate and they all meet up at the Museum. Of course the plan wasn’t going to work there’s still too much left to be told after all. So it’s on to the next step and I love a good Gala opening and more so since Neferhotep, whose jealousy of the man the Gala is honouring is so high, will most assuredly make a grand entrance. Naturally Bill and Estelle will be there to exact revenge on all those they deem responsible for her current condition. And let us not forget that the Immortal Mister Bird is still around, he’s the one who gave Crowther’s his phone.
It’s the perfect set-up issue for a grand finale like no other and we’ll learn how exactly the interconnectedness of it has come into play. While Dirk’s theories are maddening to those around him his belief in them and his ability to weave his way through them and get to the bottom of a mystery or event is pretty amazing all things considered. To watch it unfold this way without knowing how he’s does it is as frustrating as it fun and Chris nails that!
The guys work on the interiors keeps this book even truer to what I imagine Douglas had in mind when writing the character. It’s that blend of serious, funny, comical and supernatural that have basis in real life and exaggerate when it necessary.
With so much emotion coming from the writing and the visuals it’s no wonder why I think this should be a limited series of the year contender.