Oni's first big mystery mini-series since Whiteout ends on a high note, and although I felt like DeFilippis and Weir rushed past some potentially interesting stuff at the end, I'm pleased with the bittersweet conclusion that awaits our heroes at the close of the book. The story has thus far focused on the horror of the skinwalking ritual, the rough but genuine partnership developing between the two leads and a manhunt through five states, and the conclusion takes all of these elements and gives them their own endings. Hurtt and Dela Cruz provide strong artwork that brings across the realism of the settings and the necessary speed of the action, as well as subtle expression changes that help tell the story, and help to make Skinwalker a success.
These creators know how to tell a suspense story. I've absolutely believed that one or both of the protagonists was in danger of being killed off during this series, a benefit of having two strong leads and a mini-series format but also of being able to convince the reader of actual danger. The opening scene, showing us what happened with Adakai prior to the cliffhanger of the last issue, was actually the first time we've seen the skinwalker in action, and it has just the right level of creepy. The splash page, with Adakai holding her weapon and Brian Forsythe looking back with a wicked smile, says in one panel everything that needs to be said about that moment.
Skinwalker is definitely worth a look for those that missed the early days of the X-Files, before Chris Carter and his writing staff went insane. The atmosphere and style of the book contains a bit of government conspiracy, but focuses more on the scary aspects of that than the labyrinth of connectivity between conspiracies and on the creepy horror idea that sits at the center of the conspiracy in the first place. The notion of men in black working against the common man is scary, but it's more scary when they're planning out ways to transfer their agents into anyone's body, killing at random to support the process and willing to kill anyone who finds out about it. It's also scary when the conspiracy is skilled at manipulation, and the twist of events that pits Adakai against Haworth is very well done in this issue.
The conclusion of this issue is a bit more pot-boiler than I've come to expect from the series, as Haworth and Adakai get through some laughably lax security in the FBI office to make it to a showdown, but it works if you're willing to suspend disbelief on security procedures post-9-11. And the finale, a nice combination of action and verbal confrontation, is very satisfying while not giving the protagonists any real easy answers.
With plenty of suspense and enjoyable characters, not to mention a high-concept premise with a couple big twists, Skinwalker has been a joy to read. I look forward to seeing what else these creators have to offer in the future.
