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Released by: Dark Horse Comics
Released on: December 18, 2013
This issue is the final installment of this series so bringing Francis/Buzzkill into one last contest with his overbearing, maniacal father. His daddy issues are fully aired now as dad wants nothing more than to turn his son into a man/superhero he's always thought him to be.
The problem here is that Francis is now seemingly powerless - though he sure can take a beating for being a sober version of himself. But when dad decides to pay Francis' sort-of girlfriend Nikki a visit Francis knows he must finally stand up to his old man and end this, once and for all.
Dad injures Francis' sponsor and then takes out Eric who tries to protect Nikki. Francis has gone into full Buzzkill mode now, though, empowered by his sense of self (or something) and takes his dad out in dramatic fashion. The story ends on a somber note, with Francis not sure who exactly he is anymore but knowing he needs help and needs to be at peace, finally.
The story by Donny Cates and Mark Reznicek is good enough, moving along nicely even if it doesn't break any new ground here. But it's still entertaining, with colorful, well-designed characters fighting against convention as best they can. Geoff Shaw's artwork is on full display here, though, getting some stunning cross-page, multi-panel layouts that really let him flex his eye for detail and relaying action nicely.
This issue of Buzzkill is a fitting end to an entertaining series.
