Dark Horse Comics 2015
Story by Joe R. Lansdale
Written by Mark Alan Miller
Illustrated by Piotr Kowalski
Coloured by Kelly Fitzpatrick
Lettered by Nate Piekos
I’m so digging this story just the idea behind it and the whole mixing of Steampunk and this era and the supernatural has left me in this whole space where imagination is fully on display and fueling my own. There’s this whole dark and whimsical feeling of the Wizard of Oz in this depiction, visually, that just keeps adding to the story.
This issue is the set up for the big confrontation between the guys in Steam Man and the big bad. As they find the Dark Rider’s home, a very Egyptian looking place which is very oddly out of place and so very cool looking, they fail to recognize the traps laid out for them. I found this development extremely interesting because being so close to what they believe is the Dark Rider’s base you’d think they be more cautious instead of transfixed and moving blindly forward.
What their actions do however is great for continuing characterization. As the spikes in the ground go up the Steam Man’s foot essentially stopping him in his tracks and then bringing him down they have to scramble to figure out how to get out of this before the imminent attack comes. I also rather like seeing that the Steam Man has flaws and is subject to attacks that make it vulnerable as well. This creates more drama in that the struggle for them to try and win with it is that much more real and palpable.
As for the characterization I have to say that seeing how each of the four reacted here in the face of what looks like incredibly bad odds plays out. As the winch they had broke under the weight and wasn’t able to lift the Steam Man some want to give up and begin to panic while the Captain remains calm and sees what use their surroundings can provide in terms of rectifying their current situation. Not only do we see where each fits into the story personality wise but it’s a very nice demonstration of leadership, teamwork and the power of the human spirit to prevail.
I’ve repeatedly spouted that the talent Piotr has to bring stories to life visually is among the best in the business and with Kelly on colours they continue to do such incredible things here. From the Steam Man himself being something out of the land of Oz on a much larger scale to the Egyptian home to the characters themselves with their own unique looks and personalities that come off the page they continue to showcase that they have this uncanny ability to bring the story to life even further through their work. Plus the use of page and panel layouts remain some of the best there is in moving the story forward.
The Dark Rider’s continued personal torment shines at times as well. Even though he isn’t taking a direct hand in battle and instead sends out a proxy. As he watches his forces engage in what could be the last battle you get this sense of neither satisfaction or joy. It’s kind of powerful really and it’s darn good.
This is a strong well told and beautifully rendered story that goes far beyond anything the steampunk genre usually entails, at least for me. With so many elements that make it seem familiar it’s utterly unique and fascinating.