Dynamite Entertainment 2015
Written by Jim Butcher & Mark Powers
Illustrated by Carlos Gomez
Coloured by Mohan
"Gentleman" Johnny Marcone, de facto ruler of the Chicago underworld, has grown more powerful. The first mortal signatory to the Unseelie Accords -- the governing laws of the supernatural world -- he is now the Baron of Chicago, and is determined to "protect" its citizens in his own ruthless manner.
Neither Harry, nor his friends, nor enemies such as Marcone realize that a threat to them all has come to the Windy City, and is about to make his presence known...
Last issue ended with Marcone and his goon squad showing up and proclaiming this mission his telling Harry to stand down. One of the long standing things that has always been one of the more interesting aspects of the novels is the relationship between Harry and Marcone neither really like each other but each has a grudging respect for the other and what they are capable of. There is no underestimating between them and to see this on display here throughout this issue has been utterly fantastic to see. The characterization we get here through narration and dialogue showcases their complex relationship and the writer’s abilities to put that down here on paper.
Okay so while our threesome, Harry, Molly and Mouse becomes a quartet now with Marcone they proceed to head to Undertown. I know that cities have built upon cities and there are a myriad of cities that have places that were once bustling centers and now lay empty except for the downtrodden and the criminal element but this is Dresden’s Chicago so there’s more down there than meets the eye. By the way I want to see as many of these places as still exist so someone let where and when. This ups the creepy factor and the testosterone of Marcone and it’s delicious.
The crazy old man who controls the Golem knows of their presence in Undertown and welcomes the opportunity to meet them. He’s creepy too and that I love because it adds this air of mystery and craziness to the story that is classic Butcher. His captive runs off while he’s distracted but he’s in no hurry to get him back he wants him to experience the terror and madness of Undertown first. Something that Marcone and Molly soon experience first hand. Oh my goodness this so well done and to see the effects that Undertown has on them needs to be experienced here and makes me want to visit it even more!
The whole way this story is crafted, told and paced for us is perfect. The information given as it is and the way the characters react and behave along with the interior artwork have a way of seeping into you helping you experience this in such a great way. Even the ending of this issue leaves you with the promise of something epic to come and that desire to have more immediately.
This is a prime example of how to keep fans happy between novels and to garner new readers. Dynamite is the master at working with established franchises such the Dresden Files to keep its readers on the edge of their seats.