THE DIGGER #3 (INVADER COMICS)
“The Boy”’s worst fears are about to become a reality.
To make money to save her sick grandmother in 1930’s Veracruz, Mexico, he takes a dangerous job. Locals have been making money serving as guides to travelers.
“El Excavador” is no ordinary tourist. His reputation proceeds him. The Boy has just found out all the rumors are true……
THE DIGGER #3 by T. S. Luther & Sam Gudilin (Invader Comics) moves forward with its’ intense story.
Let’s take a closer look at what’s happening now.
THE DIGGER #3 by T. S. Luther & Sam Gudilin (Invader Comics)
*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***
Luther takes readers into a heartbreaking flashback to open events up. The tearful goodbye to his dad going for a job strikes every chord. It’s filled with his joyful admiration and haunting foreshadowing. Once events jump to the current time, things couldn’t be more different. The writing shows the devilish nature of “El Excavador”. His confession of his truths is chilling in delivery. Readers see him becoming more unhinged as he reveals more. Once a roadblock comes forth, the mood swings back to the beginning uneasy place.
Their partnership leads back on their search. Luther throws in more issues as they lead into the unknown. There’s a wide range of emotions on display. The writing takes the characters into a more complex place as one door opens up. Readers watch in shock as to what they discover. It takes some wind out of the sails before moving into the closing portion. The writing allows The Boy to show his composure through these challenging times. It leads into a very unlikely proposition and even more shocking close. Wrap this up with more of the teasing epilogue and there’s a great mystery unfolding here.
READ LAST ISSUE’S REVIEW HERE!
Gudilin brings out the hero worship of the Boy for his father before the fateful job. The opening page shows his attempts to be like Dad. Seeing the joy in his eyes only makes the truth hit harder. The moment conveys the sense of worry as the dad leaves for his job. This changes quickly as the upside down look at the present sinks in. Visuals drive home the trouble the Boy is in now. Readers watch as El Excavador tells his take with his close-ups. The full page omission of the dark reality makes a bold statement.
Each panel slowly unwinds the instability of the dangerous man. This leads to a near full image of the Boy upside down, filled with fear. Once freed, another full page shot shows the pair continuing their business. Gudilin goes large with panels. This shows a broad picture of the seedy moves. Even when a stumbling block hits, the uneasy sense never leaves. This grows stronger as they advance. The decent into the cave pops with the mix of flames. Readers watch as a devastating full image launches into the closing pages. The intense impressions of the Boy take over as they are forced to act quickly. Pacing speeds up to a solid point. Once the proposition is made, the final page puts a massive exclamation point on events to where they head now. It’s complimented by a quick epilogue moment which teases more sorrow forthcoming.
FINAL GRADE: 9
The Boy’s worst nightmares come true as the real terror is exposed in another excellent chapter. Luther leans heavily into the emotional pulls on the young lead character. Gudilin brings out all the pain and terror forming from El Excavador’s confessions. A true suspense thriller in every way!
Let me know your thoughts on THE DIGGER #3 in the comments below. Thanks for reading!
