
Dark Circle Comics 2014
Written by Duane Swierczynski
Illustrated by Michael Gaydos
Coloured by Kelly Fitzpatrick
Lettered by Rachel Deering
Well last issue was a nice one off story that focused on the rehab stint and the whole hopefully he’ll be able to get off the pain pills. It was nice, full of great characterization and a surprising little story woven into it as well. Now however it’s time for him to come home to Philly and try to start putting back together the pieces of his life. Easier said than done for anyone but particularly for a cop hooked on pills and putting on a mask.
While he’s been gone in The Badlands, North Philadelphia, someone’s been snatching people off the streets. As a matter of fact that is how we open this issue with one such abduction and it’s affected his partner Devon.
It’s actually nice to see Greg trying to slip back into his old life. With his face the way it is and all the looks, sideways glances and the folks on his beat looking at him the way they do prove things can never go back to normal again. It’s strong writing and the stuff Michael and Kelly deliver alongside it really is the most amazing stuff. Seeing him back and talking to his partner, the bikes guard acting like a mirror even trying to have dinner with Jessie it’s really both delightful and a painful reminder he’s not okay. The characterization is so darn good, strong and compelling to see that you can’t help but be pulled into this.
When one of Jessie’s patients goes missing she turns to Greg for help though he has to drag the offer out her. This means he’ll get to put on the Hood again that’s the thing that makes him truly happy. I love that too seeing that this is the kind of stuff that makes him truly happy as if he’s traded one addiction for another. He’s got that addictive type of personality and it’s infused with that cop upbringing of a desire to do good. The whole sensibility behind him is this wonderful mix that keeps us coming back to learn more about him.
When we finally see his resolve to put the mask back on and take control of the situation it coincides with us finally getting to see those responsible for snatching people off the street. All of this conspires to create this whole new dimension the Black Hood will find himself operating in. The scope of this adventure is going to alter everything he knows and it’s starting off with this explosive beginning.
This series has had such an evolution to it since day one and it’s great to see how involved and unexpected his journey is. This has been one of the best and brightest of journey’s you never knew you were going to take.