And Then I Read: NIGHT FORCE 5 & 6

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As this book rolls toward a conclusion in issue 7, writer Marv Wolfman is revealing more each issue about the complex cabal behind all the troubles Baron Winter and his cohorts are having. At first it seemed quite other-worldly and alien, but gradually that semblance is changing. The Baron does not fare very well in this storyline, but then when did he ever? A man who seems in control of much power and many resources, yet somehow they always slip out of his grasp at crucial moments. Jim and Zoe, the other characters who’ve become caught up in this arcane madness are still trying to figure things out, and getting a lot closer to real answers, while doing their best to stay alive against many threats. It’s a good read, reminding me a bit of that old horror soap “Dark Shadows,” but with more modern horrors.

The art by Tom Mandrake is wonderful when he can really let loose on the creepy stuff, as on this page, a little uneven at times when more mundane character moments are called for, but in general I like it a lot. I think Tom’s work on this book owes something to the original NIGHT FORCE artist Gene Colan, but there’s plenty of Tom’s own unique energy and creativity as well.

Recommended.