Hashtag Comics 2015
Written by Martin Dunn
Co-Plotted, Illustrated & Lettered by Derrick Fish
Coloured by Challenging Studios
This is the oversized end of the first story arc. I’m hoping there is going to be more from these guys and Hashtag after all this is one of the more creative worlds to have come along in quite some time. Not to mention that the characters themselves tend to be some of the more interesting and the whole premise that Las Vegas has this supernatural underworld ruled by an almost gangster style mafioso well it’s too good to end anytime soon.
Well for the most part this has been the introduction of Chelsea Noble into that world she never dared think existed and the trials and tribulations that come with her newfound position as a scribe. The realization that she’s familiar with what the world and her city is really like will change everything about her from here on out and that’s beautifully described by Martin.
Last issue Jace was ambushed by Viktor Frankenstein and this issue we learn just what his plans are regarding the Riviera brothers. Ah a villain does love to monologue doesn’t he and Viktor is no exception. But what he reveals leaves the idea that Jace has so much power than he ever dreamt of as a demi-god is one that makes me fervently wish we get the chance to see that explored. Though with Isaac, the Goblin King, witnessing all this and still whining about his plans and how they are being disrupted still adds that touch of comedy to these events that keep the balance delightful.
That Martin has strategically introduced us to key players throughout this series and has used them at times to keep me as a reader surprised demonstrates his skill as a writer. Though I have to admit that it’s a shame that when we finally get to see more of Chelsea’s girlfriend, Miranda, it’s when Dante and Joe show up to recruit her help in finding Jace. Though I have to say it’s absolutely delightful to see how the whole thing plays out and we get to see just what kind of asshat Dante truly is when he doesn’t get what he wants.
So our intrepid trio has to figure out what has happened to Jace and as the story unfolds we see them use their unique gifts to follow the trail. It’s really a great look at each of them and what they can do. While they are on the trail Viktor’s plan is also underway and you begin to wonder can they get to where they need to be in time to save Jace and stop Frankenstein? Also that Chelsea’s day job helps pinpoint where Viktor is well that’s just icing in the cake and that he needs her to get over there to cover the story is more than convenient it shows great forethought.
While Dante and Maxwell come to Jace’s rescue the fight scene is one that’s highly entertaining, well written and even better executed. A Therianthrope Shark, that’s technically the name for what Maxwell is and by all the gods old and new we need more of this guy! I mean c’mon a wereshark that’s just too damn cool! I thoroughly enjoyed watching this whole thing play out. Even the aftermath where we see the Jace recovering at Carpe Noctem and Chelsea lamenting the loss of her lover everything is as it should be. Kind of just okay this is over so let’s try to get back to normal life for a bit.
It’s how the issue ends however that is truly a mind twist! I hadn’t seen this coming and hadn’t thought it possible that one character could be this smart to pull this kind of thing off. So that Martin can do what he’s done and write this so effectively and then give this huge reveal and set up for something even bigger to come yeah well again it’s amazingly well done.
My recommendation is to go to your local shoppe or subscription service and make sure that you order the omnibus that’s coming out. You’ll find yourself in this world where get lost in the characters, the story and the sheer idea of it all. Gripping, unique it’s a story where monsters act like humans making them even more than fearsome than they are and it’s time to see the unromanticized version that brings.