Dark Horse Comics 2016
Written by Chris Roberson
Pencils by Georges Jeanty
Inked by Karl Story
Coloured by Wes Dzioba
Lettered by Michael Heisler
After a recent distress call from Iris, the crew has traveled to a moon in the Outer Rim. Bea Quiang has been imprisoned and is awaiting collection by an Alliance Operative. Unknown
to the crew, the Operative, Kalista, has already arrived and has captured River. There is little time for Bea’s rescue—and they’ve yet to discover that River is missing . . .
I’ll admit i’m fully enjoying this story. When River was captured I thought oh no all heck is gonna break loose and instead I love how Chris is turning the tables on me. I mean she claims she’s not kidnapping her she’s rescuing her and it’s the little differences like this that make all the difference in the world. I mean it’s a matter of perspective right and of course where you stand when it all goes down. Still that he’s exploring more of River’s past here the way he is for me is amazing to see.
Poor Jayne he’s such a schmuck with a good heart. I do hope that he’s able to show that he loves little Emma and that he’s seen as the odd uncle in the end. I mean it’s clear as day to me that he stays because this is his family and he wouldn’t be anywhere else even if he could be. Though that his characterisation is so masterfully done it’s only the reader that really gets the see the depth of his emotions. Chris has his finger on who these characters are so extremely well that it’s a pure joy to see.
Also that Chris manages to create a scenario where Mal and the crew end up wanting to do the right thing and yet somehow end up in huge mess is another fine point of this story. It really does feel like this is perfectly suited to be in the Verse through and through. The structure of the story, the pacing is phenomenal and just the way he reveals one aspect and keeps us in the dark about another is skillfully done.
The artwork here is fantastic! The use of page layouts through angles, perspective and the backgrounds we see really flesh this out superbly. The faces, facial expressions and body language help tell more of how the characters feel and what they are going through. The use of costumes and clothing to create the illusion we need in certain places are sublime.
That Dark Horse has seen fit to allow these creators to keep these stories coming makes the sting of an ongoing television series less and less. All the awe, wonder and fun that I want to see is right here and on display. This whole story has that unique feel that is reminiscent to the series itself and makes me happy that I can still get lost in this universe.