Though I enjoyed the first issue of this series, it boasted a strong Buffy the Vampire Slayer riff, and I honestly don't care much for that show. As such, I figured Route 666 would ultimately prove to be outside my realm of appeal. Revisiting the series with this latest issue, though, the property seems even stronger than before. Sure, the same Buffy vibe is in play, but the book is wickedly funny and twisted, and it was surprisingly easy to delve back into Cassie Starkweather's weird and witty world, even after so many months.
Cassie -- her memory of recent, creepy events muddled -- returns home from college for a visit with her parents, but instead she finds two demons -- Mantus and Rimmon -- posing as her parents... and doing a poor job of it to boot. Of course, Cassie can't tell, since her true sight seems stifled, perhaps as the result of her memory loss. Meanwhile, government officials grill Mr. and Mrs. Starkweather, as the demonic conspiracy that's after Cassie pulls out all the stops to locate its prey.
Moline's expressive and detailed artwork here reminds me of the style of Tony (Starman, JSA: The Unholy Three) Harris. Moline's work boasts sharp, angular linework that brings intensity to the story, making for an importance balance with the goofier elements of the tale. He brings power and foreboding to the climactic scene featuring Cassie's spectral mentor. Moline contributes to the comedy as well, though. Rimmon's and Mantus's expressions really bring out the pseudo-slapstick potential of the plot's premise (say that five times fast).
Bedard's infernal conspiracy theory brings an intriguing level of suspense and mystery to the Buffy-esque premise, and placing a human protagonist in the middle of the conspiracy. One can't help but cheer on Agent Gunnar as he stands up to Director Purvis's corruption. Gunnar is also clear-headed and perceptive, and that mix of smarts and defiance makes for a character that the reader can get behind.
Ultimately, it's Rimmon and Mantus who steal the show in this issue, though. Monster-movie morbidity meets the silliness of Three's Company type comedy in this issue. The demons' ineptitude when it comes to understanding humans is doubly funny when one realizes how much like humans they're behaving. Bedard's wit shines through in the dialogue, and it makes for an easy, accessible and entertaining read.
