The supernatural overtones of this series aren't to be found in this issue, but the strong characterization and tense atmosphere are. In other words, this is another fascinating issue, and the fascination stems, at least in part, from the nebulous nature of the plot. Shaffer is playing his cards close to his chest, and even after four issues, I can't wait to find out what this is all about. The one thing that seems certain, though, is that the story will not end on any kind of an up note. All that remains to be seen now is what form the tragedy will take.
Dexter, the guy who runs the poker hall where Eddie plays, has figured out that Eddie is cheating while he plays, and Dex makes it clear that Eddie has to pay a cut to continue doing so. After Eddie assures his pregnant girlfriend that he's got things under control, she hears a disturbing message on their answering machine. Eddie heads back for another night of cards, but something is off. He gets the feeling that everyone knows what he's up to, but is relieved to walk out of the room with another few hundred added to his bankroll.
It's Krall's artwork that does the most to convey the foreboding and disquieting atmosphere that looms over the story. The characters all look so... worn down, so used up. His style -- clearly influenced by the works of such artists as Mike Allred meets Paul Pope -- captures a dark, urban tone nicely, and the grey tones add extra depth to his already textured art.
There are three major players in this issue -- Eddie, David and Dexter -- and Shaffer keeps the reader guessing as to what their motives are. Does Eddie plan to do right by his girlfriend or is he planning a sleazy escape? Is Dexter allowing Eddie to burn his customers, or is he looking to burn Eddie himself? And David... what's his deal? Is he helping Eddie or himself? The only person whose motives are clear is Celeste, and she comes off as a pathetic figure who's unable to stand up for herself.
But it's not the mystery as to the characters' motivations from which the book derives its unsettling but compelling vagueness. It's the fact that we have no idea who the protagonist is. This seems to be Eddie's story, but at the same time, it seems as though he's just a pawn in a greater scheme. Just about every character in the piece is being conned, and perhaps that's the greatest tragedy... the notion that one cannot trust or rely on anyone else but oneself.
