12 February 2011

Faster than a DC Bullet: Sandman Mystery Theatre, Part V: The Scorpion

Comic hardcover, 100 pages
Published 2006 (contents: 1994)

Borrowed from the library
Read January 2011
Sandman Mystery Theatre: The Scorpion

Writers: Matt Wagner, Steven T. Seagle
Artist: Guy Davis
Colorist: David Hornung
Letterer: John Costanza

The Scorpion continues the high standard set by its predecessor, with Dian and Wesley's relationship continuing to progress-- as a vicious serial killer is on the loose, of course. The strong character work is again the highlight; this volume probably gives us more of Wesley's thoughts than the previous three combined, and it's fascinating: a quiet, shy man driven by forces he cannot comprehend to do what he does, who wants to do right by Dian, but held back by fear. If there's any downside to this installment, it's that the murderer is completely obvious. Also, every installment of this series features completely despicable people being murdered, so it's hard to be too engaged in the hunt for their killers. Some innocent victims would be nice. (That's not something you say a lot.) But on the whole, there's a lot to enjoy here; this is probably the most proactive the Sandman's been in an investigation, and it's also the start of a new, more pivotal role for Dr. Hubert Klein, the NYPD's medical examiner, the first character to actively assist the mysterious vigilante.

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