Here we are, halfway through Blake Northcott’s bold new miniseries about Michael Turner’s (R.I.P.) classic creation. As the series continues it gets harder for me to review, as I really want to avoid major spoilers (seriously, if you’re not buying this series yet, what are you waiting for?!?), but I’ll try my best.

Aspen, Tyler, and Matilda have been relocated to a private island owned by a reclusive billionaire named Riley J. Moss, whom we’re told made his fortune in electric cars (so, a stand-in for Elon Musk?). We’re also informed that he’s been a committed environmental activist for years, and this is why he is a rare human ally of The Blue. Despite his cheerful nature, Tyler is skeptical of his motives, but Aspen thinks he’s on the level. Another guest on the island is a rich rockstar, who also vouches for Riley. At one point Aspen gets online and records a video that she uploads to Youtube, in which she reveals everything about herself and her people and swears to the American public that she’s on their side. Once again Blake shows her familiarity with the way the internet community operates, as we see the reaction to Aspen’s video in its comments section.

Meanwhile Virydis has captured one of the escaped Typhos warriors, and is using torture to attempt to get information out of him. Siphos appears and makes it clear that he does not approve of such methods. Nevertheless, Verydis ends up getting some crucial information out of the prisoner, which reveals a different tactic of the Typhos’ plan of attack. So that’s good news, right? Well….

This is where I just can’t say much more. But trust me when I say that this has to be the most intriguing issue of this series yet. There are most twists and turns in this story than a roller-coaster, almost nobody in this issue is whom they appear to be. Blake Northcott proves to be a master of misdirection here, and knows how to build the suspense that keep you on the edge of your seat as you turn each page.

And I’ve run out of superlatives for the art team, suffice it to say that penciler Marco Renna, inker Mark Roslan, and colorist John Starr, make this one beautiful-looking book, in addition to being well-written!

Chacebook rating: 5 STARS

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