Brandon Borzelli's Geek Goggle Reviews
The Strange Talent Of Luther Strode #3 Of 6
Image Comics
Jordan, Moore & Sobreiro
Luther Strode hits the middle of the arc with an issue that takes a bit of breather from the pace that was set with the first two issues. It’s still a very good read, but as a single issue it certainly feels like the set-up is under way for the big finish. The key element to this issue is that of Luther becoming a hero. Or at least what he thinks a hero should be. It’s good stuff but I was also hoping for a little bit more of the raunchy art that we had seen in the previous two issues. This is shaping up to be a very memorable mini-series, one that I hope will have a sequel.
Luther is massive at this point. Clearly, he’s tough as well. His friend, Pete, makes him a costume because you can’t be big and tough and not fight crime, right? It’s standard stuff except the bizarre bandage mask. Luther then heads out on patrol. He quickly becomes bored, because, unlike in Batman comics, crime doesn’t just occur out in the open on every street corner. Eventually Luther finds himself some trouble and the issue ends up with a great cliffhanger.
The comic has many of the same types of interactions as the previous issue. Pete and Luther bicker, Luther and his mom talk about Luther’s violent Dad, Petra continues to be a keg of dynamite that overwhelms Luther and the mysterious figure continues his ruthless path to Luther. It’s all good stuff as it builds the universe around Luther. The issue is definitely light on the bloody fighting though.
The artwork is excellent again. The issue has a lot of posing and relies heavily on reactions on the characters faces and the art answers the call well. The drawback is that this issue really doesn’t contain that wall-to-wall blood splattering that the previous two issues contained. Sure, this issue had a guy’s head get ripped off but it was minor compared to what occurred in the previous two issues. Overall, an excellent visual story and I love the cover.
When this series is over I am sure this issue and fourth one will blend together as the turning point in the story. The trouble is that this issue, alone, doesn’t contain a lot of development beyond getting Luther into crime fighting mode. It’s a good issue in what has been a great series so far. I am looking forward to seeing how this story plays out over the second half of the mini-series.
3 out of 5 geek goggles
