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Twilight Zone, The #10

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    Horace Cordier
    Senior Member

  • Twilight Zone, The #10



    Recap link: It may say issue 10, but this is actually part two of Straczynski's newest Zone story arc - "The Way Back"

    It's no secret how much I enjoy pretty much everything about this series. Keeping that in mind, how do J. Michael and the gang keep this storyline ticking along? Mighty fine I'd say. Our down and dirty PI, Robert Chambers, decides to employ a little Jedi mind trickery and try to get into a mental zone where he can "become" the victim. A common theme in the original Twilight Zone series was mind over matter and the power of positive (or sometimes destructive but intense) thinking. Here, Roy pushes himself into a state where he believes he is with the murdered war hero/activist John Black on the night of the man's death during a bungled purse-snatching.

    Chambers (who has come to greatly respect the tragic Black), is desperate initially to simply solve the killing. But once he has his strange experience, he comes to truly believe that he can perhaps save Black's life by altering the course of history. As far as time travel stories go, this one works well because it keeps the possible explanations to a minimum and allows a certain amount of ambiguity into the scenario. There is a short plot detour featuring a visit to a quantum physicist but it isn't too silly or bogged down in far out theories. This chapter just flies by and keeps you eager for the next one. Well played all around.

    The real key to the success of Straczynski's storytelling is his keen eye for character. The original Twilight Zone worked by combining gripping fantastical elements with interesting people. That holds true here. I really like how Straczynski takes beaten down tropes like the good-hearted stripper, melancholy and broke PI and war hero turned peace activist and crafts dialog and situations that work on an emotionally honest level. Rod Serling and Richard Matheson would dig it.

    Art, lettering and coloring remain first class. Guiu Vilanova has a real knack for facial closeups and off-kilter framing. There's a bit of a noirish tinge to his work that is perfect here. Add in Vinicus Andrade's beautifully rendered coloring with its bold blues and greens and these two make every panel count. A lot of this story takes place in a park at night and these parts really stick out. Kudos also to Francesco Francavilla's arresting cover image.

    Bring on part 3!







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