CLAYFACE: CELEBRITY DIRT #3 (DC COMICS)
The hunt continues for Basil Karlo!
Ever since escaping Gotham City, Karlo’s trek to the west coast has been problematic. Someone has stolen his life. A supplement is creating new “Clayfaces” with horrific results. Now his only friend in Los Angeles has gone missing!
Meanwhile, a psychotic culprit looks to continue their twisted game of torture.
CLAYFACE: CELEBRITY DIRT #3 by Jude Ellison S. Doyle, Fran Galán, Patricio Delpeche, & Tom Napolitano (DC COMICS) steers further into madness.
Let’s take a closer look at events now.
CLAYFACE: CELEBRITY DIRT #3 by Jude Ellison S. Doyle, Fran Galán, Patricio Delpeche, & Tom Napolitano (DC COMICS)
*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***
Doyle delves into the sickening aspects of Karlo’s doppelganger early and often. The torture of Katie festers with a dreadful aura. Napolitano maximizes very moment given to drive this home on the panels. This helps move Karlo’s inner monologue forward as he searches for clues. The talk with Dr. October hits readers hard with its’ emotional points and delivery. Readers watch as the mature topics fill scenes leading to a sobering fallout for Karlo to grasp.
As Karlo begins his search for Katie, the mood sinks deeper into the horror elements. Watching Karlo find pictures is a startling discovery. It leads to an encounter long overdue at this point. Doyle raises up the intensity to allow it a proper level of impact. The finish comes with an ominous sense to where Karlo heads now. It also leaves an uncomfortable scene to process as Katie has a shocking discovery all her own. A pure horror tale textbook in set-up.
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Galán & Delpeche set the dark tone fast with Katie’ torture. An uneasy half panel welcomes in the danger as her future grows increasingly worse. It leads to a series of video recaps of the effects of Losilmix, the “Clayface Drug”. A somewhat comical look at Clayface’s reaction speaks volumes to progress the story along. The conversation with Dr. October leads into surprising territory as to Karlo’s initial past. A solid full page breaks down the “truth” behind Karlo’s journey to Hollywood. October’s expressions also convey the pain of past hateful words spewed in her direction. Karlo’s reactions attempt to clarify his innocence but missed the mark. The aftermath leads Karlo to examine Katie’s disappearance.
Readers watch as Galán teases new visual cues in presenting Karlo’s abilities. A chilling page shows the mental trap laid out for him. This prompts a direction to go for answers. Upon arrival, the panels swing into a volatile confrontation. Visuals here pick up the pace as the fight speeds up. It leaves a lasting mark before going into the close. Katie’s revelations reach a breaking point as the final page cements the real terror lurking. All in all, a great presentation.
FINAL GRADE: 8.4
Karlo’s search for Katie leads into a darker vision that he’s not ready to handle. Doyle throws a few highly emotional jabs before swinging the horror hooks. Galán & Delpeche ramp up the dangers with Napolitano elevating them more. A superb terror reigns supreme in dealing with a fallen actor & the City of Angels.
Let me know your thoughts on CLAYFACE: CELEBRITY DIRT #3 in the comments below. Thanks for reading!
