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Twilight Zone, The #9
Released by: Dynamite Entertainment
Released on: October 22nd, 2014.
Writer J. Michael Straczynski is back brothers and sisters! This TZ issue kicks off a new story arc and it is off to the races in fine form.
One of the great things about Straczynski's storytelling in these Twilight Zone outings is that he actually "gets" what Rod Serling and the gang were after in the original series. He's got the populist touch mixed with some deft social commentary and interesting fantasy elements that made the classic show so great. Mix that with excellent art and coloring and you've got a winning recipe.
This story - titled "The Way Back" - features down on his luck private investigator Roy Chambers. Chambers is right out of a film noir with his three day stubble, mysterious "personal problems" and stripper with a heart of gold girlfriend. He's adrift and getting financially desperate when he gets a call from reclusive industrialist Mr. Black who has a job for him. Black's son - a war hero turned charismatic anti-war activist was gunned down during the commission of an apparently random street crime a few years ago. The fact that this killing took place directly after a peace rally is just one of the many suspicious things surrounding the young man's death. Chambers accepts the job and begins trying to recreate the final days of John Black...
This issue is necessarily turned over mostly to exposition, but just like the last story arc it hooks you quickly. Artist Guiu Vilanova, colorist Vinicus Andrade and letter Rob Steen continue to deliver sharp work. The odd angles and offbeat color palette, as well as the sometimes slightly "off" framing of the panels works quite well at conjuring up the classic TZ vibe.
I'm continuing to enjoy this terrific series and heartily recommend it.
