Action Lab Danger Zone 2017
Written by Caesar Voghan & Eric Granger
Illustrated by Justin Case
Coloured & Lettred by Willia Bowm
Sir Gottfrey grows impatient with J-Clone's inability to get into character. Ever since Double-M 091, the only one who might help him cope with his stage-fright, has gone missing, J-Clone has become love-sick and now refuses to master his lines for the upcoming Pageant. At the Vatikan, Elano cuts a deal with the Pope: he will deliver the Lord's body double to the Church, but that will be his last mission. On his way to Harlequin Island, Elano stops aboard Domus Mariae, the carrier-turned-abbey, where he rejoins Father Micon, his longtime Franciscan mentor. Pressed by Elano, Micon reveals his involvement with Gottfrey in the early days of the bioengineering revolution. Back on Harlequin Island, during the weekly Sunday show, Sir Gottfrey witnesses the clash between King Richie's motley crew of veteran gladiators and a squad of augmented Steampunk Templars. Meet Klaudette: the one-eyed geisha who aspires to become a major player in the human blood traffic inside the replika Ghetto.
Where I felt the first issue was a clusterfuck this one feels right. The story has a very nice structure to it, the information flows freely and in ways that makes sense and are easy to follow. Once again I’m reminded why I say to give books a chance when you see potential but can’t quite its foothold. Don’t get me wrong this world is full of crazy time stuff going on and the fact that there are clones galore running around who have been taken from some the most well known figures in history, both good, bad and indifferent, is merely the window dressing to the story’s soul.
I will admit that the information we are getting this issue is totally in line with some very adult humour that is great appreciated. I mean J-Clone’s morose and well fetish style behaviour don’t exactly inspire the godliness he’s created from. Though depending on who you are only strengthens the belief that’s not indeed a celestial being.
That MM-091 has found her way to the Bishop and the Cardinals and is informing them of J-Clone's existence well it’s kind of fun. That and the nod to the Statue of Liberty in the background that makes quite the statement. Also whether or not they believe that J-Clone's a clone the son of God they cannot take the chance that he is. This is the Church we’re talking about and they’ll be damned if anything gets in the way of the image they’ve shaped, moulded and sold to masses for riches and power.
I am a huge fan of Justin’s work on the interiors here. There are those subtle things in the backgrounds, which are expertly used and wish we got more of, that are extremely delightful. His use of page layouts through their angles and perspective are very well done. The cleanness of his work and the attention to detail is done is amazing to see. The weight of the linework is also important to how we see what we see and again impressive work all around. Though really this Danger Zone that shower scene could’ve done more.
While I’m not always sure that everything we see is really necessary it’s okay because it gives us a chance to see just how twisted and bizarre Gottfrey truly is. There’s an unexpected humour to go along with the sheer chaos of what this seems to be about. You will read this and wonder WTF did I get into but once you open Pandora’s box there is no closing it.