“Deadhorse” is back, with this new #1 starting off a second volume. And if you listen carefully, the last payphone in America is ringing.
Written by Eric Grissom
Illustrated by Phil SloanThe secret organization known only as The Two Headed Dog makes its presence known to William Pike. Meanwhile, Charles Gadsworth hires a dangerous ally that may cost him more then he bargains for.
Over the course of the first volume, “Deadhorse” spread out into an enthralling story – a mystery with tons of clues to sort out and charm to spare. Now, as William Pike continues to investigate the conspiracy around his father’s disappearance, a deadly player enters the mix.
One of the most impressive things about this series is the way all the disparate elements come together. This is one complex conspiracy, and as this issue sets about illuminating one facet of it, we negotiate booby-trapped temples, get a helping of news channel office politics, and read a page from a science fiction novel.
All the while, the mood achieves a tricky balance. There are touches of humour everywhere, with visual gags both delightful and informative (that is, if you don’t already know what saxing is). But there’s also a good deal of darkness – severed fingers constitute a major plot point. Add a light touch of No Country for Old Men, and this issue feels like a smorgasbord. It shouldn’t work, but it does, and feels effortless. Besides, who doesn’t love a smorgasbord?
And as always, Grissom has got a handle on the dialogue, laying out fun banter with as much assurance as ominous declarations. (That line about the payphone is fucking golden.)
One of the reasons all the variety works so well is because Phil Sloan’s art parses it out so beautifully. He’s got a minimalist cartooning style that leaves plenty of room in each panel for clues and sight gags; and all the while, the storytelling is clear, keeping our focus on the most important elements of the action.
Teenagers Elise and Edgar continue to play an important role in the story, and together with Pike, we’ve got a charming group of investigators going. Their expressions as they try to figure out the mechanics of the temple are pretty close to priceless – especially when Pike gets enthusiastic about ash.
The twist at the end of the issue actually relies on a trick of characterization – and while it’s hard to describe without giving away, this character definitely surprises us, showing a ghastly new side that contrasts but also fits in with their usual way of acting.
All through, David Halvorson’s colours never disappoint, with their retro earth tones anchoring the varied mood of the story. The papery texture that’s allowed to come through is also a unique mood-establisher; it’s hard to say why it helps, but it does, lending an organic, handmade finish to the art.
This is a damn-near-perfect re-introduction to the world of “Deadhorse”. The mix of elements feels fresh and confident, and there’s a clear sense of direction as the plot moves forward and the mystery deepens. It’s a deadly combination: this book is easy to love, easy to acquire (you can get it straight from the source), and awfully hard to put down.
Final Verdict: 9.0 – Better than ever
