Image Comics 2015
Created & Written by Mark Millar
Created & Illustrated by Rafael Albuquerque
Coloured by Dave McCaig
Lettered & Designed by Nate Piekos
Well after the introduction we got last issue I was wondering what they could possibly do to keep Huck being the same man with all the new things suddenly happening to him. I just hope and pray that Huck can remain the same altruistic and simple man that he’s been when all this is said and done. He’s the most innocent and endearing character to be brought into comics and that he has this immediately become so endeared to readers since I can’t remember when.
So we open with the Russians in Siberia testing a psychic. It’s well known that throughout history many governments tried to harness psychic’s and their abilities as weapons so that they could operate in secret. The real question is what does this young woman and Professor Orlov have to do with Huck.
Meanwhile in the present in Vermont the news story of Huck is being broadcast nationwide. Mrs. Jones, i’m thinking the same young woman from the previous segment watches with rapt attention. Her mystery deepens and that she’s the same woman at least for me is confirmed by her actions this issue.
I absolutely adore the fact that the residents of this town think of and protect Huck like they do. The characterization here is beyond reproach. These women that stand there with Huck so angry at Diane Davis and what this newcomer has done is just the kind of stuff that you wish, strive and desire to find in your life. It gives that sense of hope that there are people who love and care enough to protect you in any way they possibly can.
Even more incredulous is that Huck sees the crowd outside and sees a woman he has this overwhelming urge to help. It’s like he’s compelled by certain people that once he sees them to do what he does best. However he opens himself up to more than just this woman as there are plenty of others waiting around for his help as well. I love the fact that Huck just can’t say no to someone who needs help. The way it works for him and that he knows he can do it is wonderfully portrayed here and then saying they might not like what he finds well that’s just his honesty at play.
Is that Diane we see as Huck goes off to do his thing? Does she have remorse for her actions of cashing in on what’s going on? I mean Rafael shows us these women in town and how they feel about her it’s all in their faces but this one crying in the window well you reap what you sow. We only get to see two of the people he’s been asked to find this issue. That’s enough however for the world to follow and see him action and realize he’s everything he is supposed to be.
There are even two twists that close the issue out. Suddenly there’s a whole backstory to whom Huck is and where he comes from that is steeped in some dark and mysterious stuff. I’m not only in love with the man but this series as well as Mark takes what at first appears to be one thing and completely makes it into something so much larger and darker than the light that shines off this one innocent man.
Rafael and Dave’s work on the interiors are just as compelling as the story. There are tones used to denote harder characters, times and threats to Huck and his own parts are just full of this light and optimism. That the characters expressions are so readily available to us and the use of pages, panel layouts and perspective the work is extraordinary in bringing this to life so we can be thrilled and FEEL what’s happening.
Image is home to today’s best books and Huck is top among them!