And Then I Read: DARK HORSE PRESENTS 22

Image © Geoff Darrow and Dark Horse Comics, Inc.

This issue begins with a fine complete story by Howard Chaykin about George Armstrong Custer in an alternate history where his life after the Civil War was quite different than it turned out in our reality. Excellent writing and art.

Part 5 of “Alabaster: Boxcar Tales” by Caitlín Kiernan and Steve Leiber continues to intrigue and entertain me. Southern swamps, ghosts, murders, talking birds, like that.

Part 3 and final of “The Victories” preview by Michael Avon Oeming has some interesting moments, but has not convinced me I need to read more, I’m afraid.

Part 3 of “Journeymen” by Geoffrey Thorne and Todd Harris looks great, and the story isn’t bad, in an “X-Files” sort of way.

“Arcade Boy” does not interest me enough to read it.

“Villainman” is meant to be funny, but I simply found it amateurish.

“Beneath The Ice” part 2 by Simon Roy and Jason Wordie interests me, though the story is a bit vague so far. A primitive society living underground beneath glaciers must deal with gods and spirits in their tunnel world.

“Clark Collins” by Kel McDonald is a kind of amusing look at modern teenage school life.

Part 2 of “Villain House” by Shannon Wheeler is a quite funny look at middle-age dating with odd super-hero elements.

Finally, there’s a nearly wordless “Fish Police” story by Steve Moncuse. That’s a feature I remember seeing many years ago, but never read, and I can’t say this snippet has made me want to see more.

Overall, as with all issues of this anthology, there’s lots of variety and probably something that will appeal to nearly every reader. Recommended.