by Randy Lander

HOPELESS SAVAGES #3 (Best of the Week!) Highly Recommended (10/10) Oni Press Writer: Jen Van Meter Artist: Christine Norrie Flashback Artist: Chynna Clugston-Major Editor: Jamie S. Rich Price: $2.95 US Van Meter, Norrie and Clugston-Major continue to turn in one of the high points of Oni Press's offerings this year. Hopeless Savages is funny and outrageous, but it also has heart, with a take on family that is universal enough to get to anyone. The plot that got Dirk and Nikki Savage kidnapped has been revealed now, and this issue is all about the backstory about the why as well as the setup for the confrontation. In addition, the story of Rat and his character development hits a major turning point this issue, and what we've got is essentially another professionally crafted and entertaining chapter of Hopeless Savages. Despite a fair amount of jumping around in time and a reasonable number of characters, Van Meter does a terrific job of keeping the book accessible and clear. Part of that is through the art arrangement, and I love that the flashbacks are triggered by interstitials with Zero and that they then jump into artwork by Clugston-Major. It helps to keep everything easy to read, as well as giving the past a different look, which reminds us that history often looks different than the present in our memories. There are a couple stories going on in this series. The main plot involves the kids seeking out their parents after a kidnapping, but the real story seems to be the return of the estranged Rat to the fold. Van Meter, Norrie and Clugston-Major have spent the last two and a half issues setting up the bond between Rat and the rest of the family and how his leaving hurt them (especially Zero), and the result is that the pivotal moment with Rat this issue has real emotional impact. Norrie especially should take credit for a terrific visual transformation, and a great interstitial moment with Zero. Hopeless Savages has that same love for music and culture that Blue Monday has, and it happens to tune in with a lot of my sensibilities. Whether it's a reference to The Ramones on the final page or the 1970s feel of the flashbacks with Dirk and Nikki, you definitely get the feeling that music and the punk aesthetic is woven into the very fabric of the Hopeless-Savage family. For me, this project is truly a favorite. The writing and art are terrific and the concept is fresh and original. Email Randy Lander comments about this review.