In this issue, Layman focuses on other characters' stories, and it brings a diversity of content to this black comedy. This title isn't about a kid trapped in a dragon costume, but rather the point is to watch him stumble into the lives of others. While Puffed is a comedy, Layman dwells on the notion that life is a harsh and often ugly thing. It's a pessimistic but entertaining journey that points out that life is bizarre enough without super-heroes, elves and aliens.
After witnessing a gangland murder, Aaron, still stuck in the silly Puff the Magic Dragon costume, flees, and he finds refuge with a mellow limousine driver who's killing time until his celebrity passenger... "entertains" some new friends. From there, Aaron finds his way to a bar where he hopes to find some help, but instead, he finds a story. A drunk at the bar tells the tale of a woman who mesmerized him, who led him down a dangerous path. Aaron also learns of the man who paid te dire consequences of those actions.
That synopsis makes this issue sound rather dramatic rather than ludicrous. Don't worry... there's plenty of dark comedy to be found here, but Layman does shift gears when the drunk goes into his story the '60s, the Vietnam draft and the girlfriend of a neighborhood tough. Layman's story gets a bit verbose in those flashback scenes, but he really brings the drunk's story come to life. The shift in tone isn't jarring at all, and it brings depth to this seemingly low-brow book. Layman segues into the tangent quite smoothly, and I enjoyed how it all came full circle, back in the bar in the present.
Crosland's manic artwork, an entertaining mix of pop and dark art, is perfectly suited to this twisted tale. The Jim (Grrl Scouts Mahfood influence still shines through clearly, but one can easily see hints of Scott (Visitations) Morse and Sam (The Maxx) Kieth in there as well. The letters threaten to overwhelm the art at times, but Crosland's striking designs and imagery fends them off. I particularly enjoyed his use of silhouette in the flashback sequence, and the vision of a more conventional dragon of legend earlier on in the book is stunning, reminiscent of Charles Vess's or MIchael W. Kaluta's fantasy work.
Where is Layman going with all of this? I don't know. What exactly is the point of the story? No idea. And more importantly, I don't care. The unique and fresh quality of the book - both the writing and the artwork -- really appeals to be, and I'm pleased to hear that a followup one-shot is planned following the conclusion of this limited series.
