THE PERIL OF THE BRUTAL DARK: AN EZRA CAIN MYSTERY #3 (DC COMICS)
Ezra Cain is walking too close to the edge.
A favor to investigate the disappearance of Karl Meyer has led Cain down a dark road. Compound this with a missing artifact which could be catastrophic in the wrong hands & he’s now wearing a big bullseye.
His luck might have run out as he’s attacked. When he comes to, is Cain ready for what he finds out now?
THE PERIL OF THE BRUTAL DARK: AN EZRA CAIN MYSTERY #3 by Chris Condon, Jacob Phillips & Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou (DC COMICS) goes heavy on the pulp in this DC VERTIGO series
Let’s take a deeper dive into Cain’s investigation.
THE PERIL OF THE BRUTAL DARK: AN EZRA CAIN MYSTERY #3 by Chris Condon, Jacob Phillips & Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou (DC COMICS)
*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***
Condon puts Cain right into the eye of the storm. The confrontation with Hans Huber comes with a haunting feel. Huber’s words never give an inch as he starts prying into Cain’s actions. Readers watch as he plays his hand in calling out Meyer’s disappearance. It doesn’t dent the defenses of Huber. An appearance of the missing person is meant to quell Cain’s search. The tone of Meyer’s words display the contrary. Huber’s overconfidence brushes this off and Cain dodges another bullet. This leads him into a new surrounding and a possible ally.
Sandy Williams’ debut upends the other characters readers meet at the cop bar. Williams comes off as someone who cares and wants the truth. Their banter is carefree. It’s been a rare moment where Cain can let his guard down a bit. This helps as the deck is being stacked against him. His interaction with the Police Commissioner goes awry very quickly. Readers can sense the obnoxiousness pour out. It’s assisted with some back-up which makes Cain worse for wear. This moves events into the closing phase. Cain and Williams seem to be on some new common ground. It is uncertain how long that will last via the final page. Another curve has been thrown at Cain. How he responds is going to either make or break him.
Phillips opens with a deceptive beginning spread. The use of lights and shadows leads to a chilling build. Huber’s smug demeanor takes over as he questions Cain. Readers see this feeling grow in each panel. There is never a moment he feels Cain is on his level. This grows more once Meyer is brought into the room. His frail exterior doesn’t tip off much until his last panel. The fear of the truth connects with Cain and the reader. It helps to close this portion of the story before opening a whole new door of trouble.
The cop bar scenes play out like an unwelcomed reunion. Cain’s body language never gives off any sense of comfort. Sandy makes a strong debut with a side panel. Their history comes to light as their expressions echo their past. It opens the door for more concerning the case. This gets upended by the commissioner, who’s brash tone jabs intensely. Cain’s patience disappears on his face. What’s left is nothing but anger. The result is less that positive. A full page image results in nightmare fuel as Cain wakes with Sandy talking. The final page steals their shine as a parting panel throws everything off course. Another strong visual ride.
FINAL GRADE: 8.8
Cain finds himself sinking further into danger with this latest chapter. Condon has Cain juggle many encounters with solid writing. Phillips brings out the painful side of a good soul with impressive visuals. Ezra Cain’s exploits are must-read stories fans can’t miss!
Let me know your thoughts on THE PERIL OF THE BRUTAL DARK: AN EZRA CAIN MYSTERY #3 in the comments below. Thanks for reading!
