Monster hunting and noir detective genre... that mix has proven to be a winning combination for Steve Niles and his recurring Cal McDonald character. To be honest, we don't get much in the way of storytelling that feels new here, but there's no denying that the idea is a whole lot of fun. The bloom has yet to fall off of this rose. Sure, Niles has stumbled with Cal McDonald before (the novel from IDW Publishing didn't turn my crank), but this isn't one of those times. Actually, I'm mistaken when I say there's nothing new to be found in this latest McDonald title. There's the art of Kelley Jones. His dark, exaggerated style is a perfect fit with this property.
Once again, Cal McDonald and his assistant, the undead Mo'Lock, have averted disaster by elimianting a supernatural force that threatened Los Angeles. And what do they get in return? Verbal abuse and no money. Cal and Mo'Lock head home, but before the former can pop some pills and get some decent sack time, a recent mistake comes back to haunt him. And if that weren't enough, a family of rednecks shows up on his doorstep, begging the detective to help them rid their son of the demonic possession that's overcome him.
Jones's organic and shadowy style brings out the ghoulish aspects of this property quite well. His design for the rampaging mummy in the opening scene is classic but still incorporates a more powerful and playful look at the same time. His exaggerated approach enhances the characters' humorous reactions to what's going on as well. I really enjoyed his Frankenstein Monster-esque take on Mo'Lock. Michelle Madsen's colors are a delight. She bathes key scenes in an eerie green glow that drives home the surreal nature of the events that unfold here.
Incorporating a romantic/sexual relationship into Cal McDonald's life is a smart move. It provides some more comedy, for one thing, but more importantly, it brings the character closer to the reader's level of experience. Killing mummies and getting whacked out on pills might not be things to which most of us can relate, but being a bonehead with one's significant other is quite universal.
Despite the character's background, Niles maintains a thoroughly accessible tone throughout this latest McDonald script. New readers will be able to pick this book up and follow along with little trouble. I also enjoyed how the writers gets his audience caught up in the fun and action that's inherent in the property by opening this new story with the ending of another adventure.
Note: This comic book was not among this week's new releases.
