Joen Benitez Productions 2017
Written by Joe Benitez & M.M. Chen
Penciled by Joe Benitez & Martin Montiel
Inked by Studio J-13
Coloured by Beth Sotelo
Lettered by Michael Heisler
The tabloids dubbed her “Lady Mechanika” the sole survivor of a mad scientist’s horrific experiments which left her with mechanical limbs. Having no memory of her captivity or her former life, Mechanika eventually built a new life for herself as a private investigator, using her unique abilities to solve cases the proper authorities couldn’t or wouldn’t handle. But she never stopped searching for the answers to her own past.
There are very few characters and worlds that have the ability to transfix and mesmerize readers the way that Lady Mechanika does. One look at the book’s interiors and you know where you are and who the story is about and much like Miss Granger she’s the most clever woman of her age. Being that clever is her blessing and her curse as it has allowed her to make friends with some interesting people while making some of the most violent of enemies seemingly simultaneously.
I love how this issue not only starts but how it’s paced and presented to us. From the almost Jack the Ripper-esque murder of a gentleman leaving his obviously intricate steampunk inspired workplace to the glimpse of the killer later on this is the epitome of a Victorian Steampunk Mystery Thriller. I love that Mechanika doesn’t look for trouble, she’s accompanying Albie to a funeral and suddenly finds herself wrapped up in events that she wasn’t expecting. It’s the way her life seems to work and we wouldn’t want it any other way.
Plus oh sweet baby velociraptor the interiors here are so magnificent! It’s one of the TRUE steampunk books that hit stands and how Joe’s mind is able to blend reality with the mechanics needed to make this all convincing still astounds me. It’s all as beautiful as it is ugly when you mix the Victorian architecture with the warehouse effect needed for Steampunk realness. The way page layouts are utilised with their angles, perspective, borders and even backgrounds really take us on a journey.
With this world there is never simply a murder. No that would be too easy and far less interesting if i’m being honest. It has to have that sensationalist angle to it that draws Mechanika into it with that aplomb we’ve become accustomed to. The mix of characters new and old, their characterisation and development and way they all fit into this story is really so gosh darn good. That we see Archibald’s former colleagues being murdered so ruthlessly and quite honestly not feeling the least sorry about it because of how they are portrayed well yeah it’s grippingly good.
There’s a reason this franchise consistently makes it into the best books I read when it comes out. If you haven’t discovered for yourself why then it’s high time you did.