Action Lab Entertainment 2015
Written by John Reilly
Penciled by Tom Rogers
Inked, Coloured & Lettered by Dexter Weeks
This issue opens up with Amelia Earhart having gone missing over the Atlantic. This immediately goes to Tesla seeing his outgoing bills and Lovecraft’s enjoyment at selling one of four stories to Weird Tales. One is a start for Lovecraft and it means his time with Tesla is being well spent, that and the fact that they’ve become friends of a sort doesn’t hurt matters either. Still with the bills piling up what’s Tesla going to do?
As it turns out before they can continue to search for the Necronomicon they must attend Mr. Mark Twain’s retirement party in Connecticut. Oh there’s a moment that Tesla realizes on those flying crab things is back but nowadays it’s another of Lovecraft’s mother’s pets. Before they leave however Harry shows up seeking help and offering no new information and of course Susan offers to keep him company while the boys are off doing their thing.
Now if you’ve ever wondered what really happened to Amelia well then look no further as she’s found her way to what appears to be another dimension. Running from monstrous monsters and seemingly being somewhere even those in the Looking Glass would scared of she’s seems to be handling it rather well. Where she is the creatures that inhabit it are maddening to say the least and yet to the reader they are entertaining nicely done by John writing this so we get a distinct look at both views here. Also the work by Tom and Dexter in this segment is bright, odd and full of imagination on acid complete with those swirling colours.
One of the things I am really enjoying about this series is the banter and dialogue between Lovecraft and Tesla and seeing just how fundamentally different they are in their desire and how they go about things. The best example is when the two are at Cuttle’s crypt and what transpires outside and within. While this may not be in the Danger Zone line of books it certainly has the appeal for those of all ages.
Menlo Park and we learn that a Mr. Albert Einstein is in line to replace Tesla seems to have a solution to their current problem. This isn’t exactly what Tom wishes to hear and his demeanor isn’t that friendly but it does add another aspect to what’s already in play in this world. The mystery of how it all interconnects remains to be seen but the interest factor has definitely been raised.
At Mr. Twain’s retirement party there are a number of things that occur that make the boys seem to make them magnets for the bizarre and unexpected. It really is kind of fun to watch as you learn more about Tesla’s role in the people there’s plans and Lovecraft’s inability to keep his mouth shut when something bothers him proving that he his manners remain uncouth and should be revisited since he is a guest in someone else’s home.
This is the kind of book you don’t expect to find but are thrilled when you do. It’s smartly written, highly entertaining and extremely well illustrated. The interiors while having a very cartoon quality to it really does aptly convey the world they all inhabit and the mood and emotion we need to experience from each character. History’s most interesting people who shouldn’t have connections do and they make for the most interesting of bedfellows.