Blue Juice Comics 2016
Written by Mike Horan
Illustrated by Bong Ty Dazo
Colours & Cover by Tim Yates
Lettered by Crank!
So this issue does a couple of things that start to really add an intrigue factor that I hadn’t anticipated on. Yes we’ve seen there are secrets and such but really this issue goes that extra mile and kind separates the scientists from the military in new ways. Also we see the Captain and his first mate in a completely new light and well you’ll have to decide for yourself if you like it or not. Then well science doesn’t stop because ones in space, nosireebob. We see a few different things happen one of which I was surprised by but shouldn’t have been the other well finally I love how that ties into the series name.
Mike really goes and takes the story to new heights and to new lows here and yet it all fits with this gorgeous reality where steam power opens up the stars for exploration. I’m still a huge fan that these modified deep sea diving suits can be used for space walks and that a chalkboard is used to communicate with each other.
I’ve been singing Bong’s praises since this began and i’ll continue to do so as I love seeing the looks between the Captain and his man. Those sly looks that say yeah we’ve got our own agenda and we’ll use the information as we see fit in our interpretation. So to stall and let things play out for a bit to gather information and to see what’s what the Captain has given them a few days to fix the ship and bring the bodies on board for autopsy.
We’ve known Doctor Forneau is an odd duck but this issue takes that one step further and by using our stowaway, Miss O’Hara, as his assistant well that just went over the top in describing his character. Though in all honesty it’s great to see this because it not only fits in with the era of Queen Victoria but it also fits in with this whole Steampunk genre and it’s a creative and inventive, albeit morbid, use of current technology to get answers.
With repairs to the alien ship made and unilateral decisions being made the tension certainly rises this issue. I’m surprised, thrilled and taken aback by the characterization and turn of events that we’ve seen and in all honesty that Matt keep doing this to me is great example of why this series should be among those that are being discussed on a weekly/monthly basis for the talent involved in getting this to readers hands.
The interiors have been stunning throughout and this issue is no different. Seeing the suits, space and the ships have been marvelous. The flow of the story is amazing, the use of perspective and angles in panels through the pages is expertly done. The faces and facial expressions do more than just look good they add depth and detail to the story and are truly enlightening. The emotions we get throughout are superb, I miss more use of backgrounds this issue but that’s okay the overall effect is superb.
The writing is superb and the interiors luxurious and the whole premise puts the rest of the science fiction genre to shame in it’s scope and depth. With the most realistic and smartest use of Steampunk i’ve seen yet this series goes beyond what you expect and delivers a story so good and twisted that you won’t be able to get enough.