Laurence Campbell is back on the main “B.P.R.D.” book for an arc that regroups the gang in the Colorado headquarters.
Written by Mike Mignola and John Arcudi
Illustrated by Laurence CampbellA blackout causes panic at B.P.R.D. headquarters as Kate comes face to face with the ghost of a satanic veteran.
David: I don’t know why Brian, but it feels like a long time since we’ve chatted. Thankfully, the O.G. Mignolaversity team is back to discuss the latest from our favorite book – B.P.R.D. – with art from one of our faves, Laurence Campbell. It’s issue #120, with Mike Mignola and John Arcudi writing and Dave Stewart coloring, as per usual. It is also a very fascinating read.
What was your take on this one?
Brian: Well, we predicted last time that the series would have to take a few issues to reset a bit, to reintroduce the status quo after a crazy action packed arc, and get their feet on solid ground again. This issue certainly did that, and introduced a fair amount of mystery and intrigue as well.
Let’s start at the beginning: we get a look at a few characters that have been on the periphery, or even way down in the sub-basement for awhile, J.H. O’Donnell, Kate, and Panya. Was it just me, or was it nice to see some of the old guard show up for a bit?
David: Well, the last two were VERY LIGHTLY featured in the previous arc (mostly at the beginning, of course), but you’re right, this was a nice little break to see what was going on at home base with those three. And what’s going on is really, really weird.
In a good way, of course, as any story involving Professor O’Donnell is going to be at a minimum kind of kooky, but the Kate stuff? That was very, very strange, and it earned a heavy dose of my WTF face. I loved seeing her come across the Sledgehammer suit, but – best guess – what was going on with the light, and what was that object that apparently possessed her?
Brian: Well, I would presume that the juxtaposition of Kate’s story and the old file O’Donnell is looking through is somewhat intentional, and that perhaps the pendant is Breccan’s, and therefore Kate is possessed by whatever made him kill in the first place. That is a total guess though – got a better one?
David: I definitely think you’re on the right track, but for some reason, that reminded me of something we’d seen previously in the last arc of Sledgehammer, but I honestly don’t remember what. That’s probably the right direction, but Kate’s “Why so serious?” face at the end of the issue was genuinely creepy. Whatever has her is no good, and it’s going to be interesting to see how the next issue plays out.
I have to ask: any guesses as to why O’Donnell was so locked in on that one file? Besides it being a necessary plot device?
Brian: That final image was suuuuuuuper creepy. It almost reminded me of the cover to “Preacher” #3, something that thoroughly creeped out 13 year old Brian.
As for why O’Donnell was so focused, he’s supposed to be digitizing his files, so I guess that was just next in line? I wish I had a more elegant explanation, but I think that’s just about it – to drive the plot along.
David: Even though I have lots of questions, I did really enjoy this issue. It was a weird one that gave us a taste of the next arc, and it started weaving in some of the big guns by the end, but really, it reminds me of Killing Ground. That’s one of my all-time favorite B.P.R.D. arcs, and I like the idea that they aren’t even safe in their own home base. They do a remarkable job of instilling that feeling in us as readers, and it also is an excellent character study at the same time (solid money on O’Donnell saving the day).
Continued belowAnd you have Laurence Campbell on art, and he’s a guy who can use darkness as a tool about as well as any artist. This issue is REALLY dark, so it’s tailor made to play to his strengths. It’s really great stuff. What did you think of Campbell’s work here?
Brian: As you know, I’m a huge Campbell fan, and at the start of the issue, I was wondering how well his style would fit this arc – by the middle of the issue, I realized I needn’t worry. His art is so rooted in the darkness, as you say, and this issue lets him really stretch out over a number of time periods, states of being, and areas of the home base, but he brings that darkness with him.
I particularly enjoyed his Hellboy sequence, which had the same beautiful innocence we’re used to seeing in young Hellboy’s eyes, but we also see him start to understand what it means to be an agent, and the dangers therein.
What sequence stood out to you?
David: It’s a random one, but I loved O’Donnell’s reaction to the power going out. He’s a hilarious character that looks at Kate and a power outage as equal irritants, and that he so casually reacted to the power outage – “hmm…I’ll just get three candles and get back to reading” – was both so perfectly him, and really well depicted by Campbell. Honestly, the guy is such a skilled artist, he can bring out the best in any situation. That’s the one that did it for me.
Do you think we’re going to get anything with the Sledge suit here, or do you think that’s just a standard issue Easter Egg?
Brian: The Mignolaverse is a meticulously planned out series of comics – I can’t see them introducing the origin of Sledge last year, only to never bring it into the modern era. I don’t know if we’ll see it this arc or not, but this is a casual reminder of the suit, and its ability to be used by the Bureau.
Anything else to add before we grade this sucker?
David: No sir, I am all set. This is a very good comic, but on the Mignolaverse scales, it’s an 8.0 comic for me. Good job, good effort by everyone. What about you?
Brian: 8.0 seems fair to me – a fine effort, and a really nice start to this arc.
Final Verdict 8.0 – Buy
