American Gothic Press 2015
Created & Written by Jeremy Robinson
Illustrated by Matt Frank
Coloured by Diego Rodriguez
Lettered by Marshall Dillon
Sometimes when I get extremely busy I don’t get to books I really want to review and this was one of them. For me this is like the perfect combination of Godzilla and Alien for so many reasons. Last issue a giant monster was loosed upon the world as General Lance underwent a heart transplant that immediately began to change him. Now with the General on the run, Collins and Hudson on the creature’s trail and now things are beginning to become crazier.
This issue opens up with some great action. This creature a Kaiju, Godzilla or some alien life form, is as ruthless as it is horrifying to look at. While I cannot be certain it does appear fairly intelligent as well. I’m really impressed with the interior artwork here as it depicts the action and the creature’s drive, determination and downright horror quite well. There really is a sense of do or die going on here and it’s a great few panels of adrenaline pumping going on.
So heading over to the General we see that the changes he’s going through are coming pretty fast furious. I like the reaction Endo has to this and seeing how the already ego inflated General is becoming something more than human has actually made him more of a likeable character for me. Some excellent characterization all around here. It’s great to see how that transplant is changing how we view both of them. While i’m not terribly surprise in the change we see in General Lance, he was way too much of a controlling blowhard to begin with but what we see with Endo is the kind of writing that makes me want to keep coming back.
So this issue we’re also introduced to Rod Cugliari who again comes across as your typical Washington agent full of piss & vinegar with self esteem that is overinflated in ways that only an agent can have. I don’t know if it’s ironic or not but with the United States caught up in the primaries for the Presidential Elections it pretty much hits home what’s inherently wrong with any Government employee. Still while it’s typical characterization that doesn’t make it any less fun to see when he goes toe to toe with Hudson.
As both arcs come to a close this issue it’s fantastic to see the symmetry in both in terms of the change in Lance and the full visage of the creature. Also the sheer amount of violence we see doesn’t bother me at all which I kind of find surprising. Still at it’s core this is a monster story and there’s going to be violence and bloodshed and the fact that we get that in a way that isn’t gore filled has my appreciation.
What this issue has done is cemented the book's place in my heart, reading list and desire for more. This is an incredibly unique, exciting and incredibly detailed in both words and visuals story that fills the void of credibly, fantastic and horrifyingly thrilling monster books!