Bloodhound - Crowbar Medicine, Part Two

Released by: Dark Horse Comics
Released on: November 13, 2013

After reading this issue I'm still a bit confused as to what the main character is or does - but he's got a big heart, a healthy disrespect for authority and a pretty suave antagonist.

A rogue superhero has gone on a deadly rampage so Travis Clevenger, the tough-fighting, tough-talking hero here, is brought in to investigate why. His partner is an FBI agent named Saffron Bell and their banter is quality, delivered in small doses. The two of them begin trying to track down the whereabouts of one Dr. Bradley Morgenstern who's put out a national offer, granting superhuman abilities to anyone who meets his qualifications in order to prevent these tragedies from happening again.

During their investigation at Morgenstern's house they encounter a mysterious costumed man who may or may not be on their side. After much action and a strange disappearing act Clev and Saffron are left with more questions than answers. Meanwhile, in another part of the city, a school principal, fearing the danger of another superhuman rampage, is contacted by Morgenstern with the promise of some special aid coming his way…

Coming in with part two the characters seem a bit muddled, their abilities or functions in the story held to just very simple, basic narrative roles. Clev apparently has no superpowers beyond being a badass. But the story unfolds easily enough and the Morgenstern character certainly has a compelling villian/anti-hero vibe going on.

The script from writer Dan Jolley is pretty good as the dialog seems natural and not forced. The art style from artist Leonard Kirk certainly doesn't break any new ground and many of the colors seem muted or to overlap with their backgrounds - which is too bad since these characters still need some clear definition on all levels and sharper artwork would probably aid that.