Review: Strayed #3
Before we get started I have to say is that this book is absolutely beautiful. Following my normal review structure, we’ll get to the art in a bit but I felt I needed to start off this review establishing that. I’ve been a fan of the “Dark Horse/Mignola” style for a while now and it seems that every Dark Horse book I pick up is a variation on that theme and I’m applauding all the way. With that out of the way, strap in and join me for an early look at Strayed #3.
“Strayed” is a tale of politics, plots and expansionism wrapped around a cautionary tale about over-expansion. This tale, by Carlos Giffoni, has a cosmic setting; tracing the death of one civilization in the distant past and its ramifications on the current rulers of this particular patch of space. The plot is interesting even if has yet to be fleshed out yet in the greater framework of the series. Giffoni is obviously doing the hard work now; establishing two (or possibly three) different story lines to use going forward. All three of these story lines revolve around separate characters and will allow Giffoni to devote time not only to plot but character development going forward so he has a great path forward as the series progresses. While the writing is solid, I can’t say for certain how successful it will be until we see how Giffoni uses this framework he has created in the issues to come.
While the unfolding plot is a work in progress, the artwork framing that plot is anything but. As I stated above; this book, drawn and colored by Juan Doe (Dark Ark, Archer and Armstrong), is absolutely stunning. It should be no surprise that the same person who delivered such stunning visuals in “Dark Ark” should also deliver in “Strayed”. (Reviewers Note: Although this is a Strayed review I’d encourage you to check out Dark Ark and our reviews of the series on site). Doe does all of the artwork on many of his books and it is patently obvious that he has a master’s command of line work and inking, especially when it comes to framing the stunning color he routinely he lays down. This issue is a prima facie evidence of this talent. Doe often does line work that is similar in construction and principle to much of what is delivered by Dark Horse these days, the “Dark Horse/Mignola” style as I like to call it. With that said, Doe art here is slightly modified, either by design or happy accident, so that it fits in perfectly with recent titles like Black Hammer. When you get the chance, put an issue of Hellboy, Black Hammer and this issue of Strayed side by side and observe the similarities. Doe expertly lengthens features and sharpens the angles of his line drawing giving the whole of the book a stretched, otherworldly feel. With that accomplished, Doe further enhances this look and feel with strong, heavy inking that emphasizes the stretched aspect of the art while framing and prepping those areas which will be colored. It is here where Doe truly distinguishes himself. 
His colors are incredibly vivid and figuratively jump off the page as they engulf your senses and transport you into this other world. Doe is a master of all three aspects of comic art (Line Work, Inking and Color) and it is on full display here
So where does that leave me on this book? I think this is a good book that is worth buying for the art alone. While the writing score may seem a little low, (I reserve the right to revise my score after I see more of the series lol), this is more of a function of my “wait and see” mood on this work in progress rather than a critique of Giffoni’s writing craft. Meanwhile, the artwork here is incredible and worth the price of admission alone. This elevates the book and raises it’s final scores into the above average range. I would encourage you to check out this series and keep an eye on the unfolding plot.
Writing – 3.25 of 5 Stars
Art – 5 of 5 Stars
Overall Score – 4 of 5 Stars
Writing – Carlos Giffoni
Art – Juan Doe
Letters – Matt Krotzer
Author Profile
- Nemesis is a poet, writer and author of the upcoming novel The Long Game. He is a writer of science fiction and supernatural thrillers. Besides novels and short stories he writes for UK based ASAP Comics developing new stories for Level 8 and OPSEC. Nem is a graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point and tries to bring those experiences into his writing.
He lives and works out of his home in Riverside, California with his wife and three children. When not writing he enjoys reviewing comic books and graphic novels for ComicCrusaders.com and living the Southern California life with his family.
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