Curt and Tony Pires are accompanied this time around by guest artist Jason Copland as the issue follows the life of a struggling comic creator. Setting itself apart from the previous two issues, not only with the art but with the much more serious subject material, readers watch a man's world seemingly crumble before he ultimately contemplates taking his own life. Albeit a more severe chapter, the fun is never spared for long time comic fans. Calls to Alex Toth, Jack Kirby, Todd Macfarlane, and The Comics Journal are some fun Easter eggs to run across for any makers or lovers of the medium alike.
Follow Kirby Spiegelman, a comic artist trying to make it in this world through his creator-owned comic Olympia. As he struggles to receive payments, make rent, and buy the best presents for his only child Kirby is met with one dead end after the next. Following throughout his life, the readers peers into his past and what made Kirby the man he is today. In his most desperate hour, Kirby receives an unexpected knock at the door before he passes out in shock from what he sees.
Albeit losing Alex Diotto's charming artwork behind, Jason Copland brings the perfect flavor and aesthetic to this chapter. With more drab gloomy overtones, Copland completely sells an entire issue about a man's life progressively getting worse until he feels he has no choice left. Even down to the panel layouts and incorporating the credits within that opening page truly create a stark contrast to set the tone for this issue. Fitting perfectly within the respective series but different enough to completely set itself apart from the rest.
Continuing to bring the heart of the series, Curt and Tony Pires create the perfect vehicle to develop this character over a single issue but allow for readers to truly feel for this man and root for him to find that bright light to cling to. The aforementioned Easter eggs truly add another layer of charm and heart to this series, especially the digs at Diamond Distribution.
With each new issue, this series continues to be even more promising. Standing as a love letter to comics and fandom surrounding the medium, it is easily a must-read for any new or old reader alike. Albeit dealing with darker overtones this issue, the creatives keep it tasteful and accessible to most readers. After the unexpected visit, Kirby Spiegelman is going to be in for the shock of his life next month.
Grade: A
