Welcome back to Monkeybrain Weekly. This week’s edition brings a look at the second part of Brandon Seifert and Michael Montenat’s “Spirit of the Law!” Each week in this column, you can expect to see short, capsule reviews on each book along with a final verdict and a link as to where you can download the issue itself. Expect more exciting work with Monkeybrain going forward, and make sure to check out their bevy of books that drop each week.
And remember – all proceeds from sales that were destined to go to Monkeybrain for November? They’ll be given to the Hero Initiative. So not only do you get good comics, but your money goes to a good cause. Now on to the review!
Solicit: $.99 — Ages 17+ – In the conclusion of the noir/pulp mashup, Sammy Workman’s back is to the wall, his fellow hitmen dying left and right – and their killer is a woman he put in the ground himself! What’s the mystery behind the paranormal vigilante called the Spirit of the Law – and is there anything Workman can do to stop her? Written by Brandon Seifert (WITCH DOCTOR, DOCTOR WHO, HELLRAISER) and drawn by Michael Montenat (HELLRAISER, PILOT SEASON: ANONYMOUS).
Brandon Seifert, Writer
Michael Montenat, Artist
Ron Riley, Colors
Review: In the final 12 pages of Brandon Seifert, Michael Montenat and Ron Riley’s “Spirit of the Law,” the team had to build on the previous “issue” and get us to a point where we, as a reader, would feel like a complete story had been told. If at all possible, it’d be ideal if they got us to the point where we’d want to read more of this story/character.
In the former regard, they definitely succeeded. This side of the story was better overall, as I feel like it adequately explained the mystery while also giving us some big payoffs. There were two big reveals that were handled very well, with one, the final fate of goombah Sammy, particularly great if only because of the work of Riley’s colors. Seifert does a great job pacing and presenting the story, and the art team of Montenat and Riley do a stellar job of bringing it to life. This story is all darkness and jagged edges and ominous tones, and it speaks volumes about the pairing of writer and art team.
In the latter regard, I’m not really sure where it can go from here (not that there are announced, expanded stories coming). That said, I did really enjoy the ending and where it left us. It was a fitting bridge between art and dialogue. Spirit of the Law, as a comic that ultimately would cost you $1.98, is well worth the purchase. Everyone involved happens to be a strong storyteller, and they stick the landing with this second chapter.
Final Verdict: 7.5 – Buy
Visit ComiXology to purchase Spirit of the Law.
