The penultimate issue of “Flesh and Stone” has arrived, and with it some of the most heartbreaking and thrilling scenes of the series thus far. Let’s do this.
Written by Mike Mignol and John Arcudi
Illustrated by James HarrenThe BPRD’s attempts to kill the monster terrorizing a snowy mountainside have failed. While the team tries desperately to escape, one man stands against the monster . . . the mysterious Agent Howards. Will this warrior from the past be able to kill the beast or be crushed in its path?
David: The flagship is back, as Flesh and Stone continues. This issue comes from Mike Mignola, John Arcudi and James Harren, and pushes an arc we’ve been divided on so far to the precipice of its conclusion. What did you think of this issue, Brian?
Brian: I thought this issue was, hands down, the best of this arc thus far. This is the issue that has taken all of the pieces scattered through the first 3 issues, and put it together into a gripping and compelling comic. What did you think?
David: It was definitely the best yet, as it incorporated three of the storylines we saw before well while still doing some really great character work. While I have a bit of a problem with how this fits as a whole and how the whole arc has played out – have we even seen the Liz storyline since the first issue? – it’s hard not to enjoy the Enos/Johann/Howards story, and the B stories of what happens to the people who are turned into monsters and Iosif’s torment is nothing if not fascinating. It’s good stuff. Still not one of my favorite arcs, but I dug this issue.
What did you enjoy the most about this issue, story wise?
Brian: From an overall storytelling place, I love the continued growth of Enos as a giver of zero fucks. This is especially good, given that many of Johann’s contemporaries are elsewhere, leaving his, sometimes rather cold, voice as the commanding one. By having Enos be as forceful as he has been, it allows for some interesting storytelling and gives a counterweight to Johann’s stoicism.
If we are talking one specific moment? “Jill.” Heartbreaking. Absolutely heartbreaking.
David: I’ve really enjoyed Enos’ increased presence as well. It makes sense that other soldiers would be fond of him, given that – as you said – Johann easily could be perceived as cold because he’s hardly a person in many of their eyes. That type of thing is great at reinforcing the value of the human cast, and they’ve done a great job with it. And totally agreed with “Jill.” That killed me. That was a really nice moment, and kind of flips everything on its head as far as what we know about those changed by the influence of the monsters around the world.
For me, I was all about the Iosif and Varvara business. I know, shocking, I’m into Varvara action. While nothing really notably stood out, plot wise, I always like seeing the two of them (both of whom think they have the upper hand at all times) playing off each other, and it’s always good to have a reminder that maybe I’m not right about the whole “Varvara was right!” idea I have. Seeing her in demon form definitely did that for me, even if it makes me sad to think about.
James Harren. Have you invented any new adjectives for him? That final page of Howards rushing the camera was some hot shit.
Brian: You? Love a Varvara sequence? I can’t believe it!
I really wish I had some new adjectives to say about Harren’s art, but there just isn’t anything else to say. This is what an artist looks like when he begins to hit his stride. Not that Harren was ever a slouch, but the past year or so has been such an amazing run for that dude.
There is one sequence that particularly stands out: the chase sequence that leads to the aforementioned Howards page was amazingly well put together. The pacing, the framing, the sheer desperation in everyone’s face (even Johann’s, somehow), mixed with Dave Stewart’s amazing colors, created one of the most visually stunning sequences of Harren’s career. Those last pages were as chaotic and frantic as anything he’s ever drawn, and he is a guy that does chaotic and frantic pretty well.
Continued belowDavid: He does, but he also does small things really well. I enjoyed Enos recounting the story, and the mix of terror and disgust he puts on Enos’ face. He makes character moments feel all the more real, and for that reason as much as the big action moments, he’s a perfect fit for this book.
Anything else to add before we grade?
Brian: Not really. The one thought I did have reading this issue was, “with “Rumble” as an ongoing, is this the last we’ll see for James Harren for awhile on “B.P.R.D,?” I fear that may be the case, but I sincerely hope not.
I know I am a little higher on this arc than you are, but this is a solid 8 for me. What about you?
David: I’ll give it a 7.0. It was the most enjoyable issue yet, but I’m still not loving it, especially with the Liz loose thread dangling after her being showcased in the first issue. The final issue may bring everything home, but so far this arc has been a mixed bag for me.
Final Verdict: 7.5 – another rock solid issue from one of the best comics in the biz
