Hello Father
Highly Recommended!
Though it started out slow, it certainly gained enough momentum for me to be on the edge of my seat by the last page! And this is not to say there was no action in the beginning, not at all. It was more to the fact that my brain had a hard time correlating the action at the start of this issue with where my memories aligned two issues back (last book in the series was a "Times Past" issue).
Either way, James Robinson has done it again, and with him on this book, another great artist, Javier Pulido! The way the story is allowed to flow where it needs to go, only to pause briefly for spinets of background, feels really natural. I loved this issue. Period.
The story is masterfully woven to include the introduction of a couple "new to this series" characters as well as a significant amount of back-story coming off of Issue 3. We learn quite a bit more about Darnell Caldecott, his relationship to Shade, and why his name has been brought up (at least in part), since Issue 1.
---
Story: 5.0 / 5.0
I cannot say enough about James' ability to tell a story. It just works so well and flows so naturally. It carries on much like a conversation would, tangents and all. There was a critical moment in this issue when I realized why he was in Spain... and then again when I realized he wouldn't be fulfilling his primary mission within this issue. It gave the entire series a more "complete" feel. It is as if all the story pacing just made sense.
Now, I am not going to speculate whether or not his origin will be revealed through his direct interaction with Darnell, but it sure does feel that way. So yeah, I will speculate to that end. I believe we will find the answers to the questions we seek about Shade at a similar pace that Darnell finds answers to his life prolonging questions... that is if he survives long enough to hear them. But first, a detour - in the aide of La Sangre, and the fine citizens of Barcelona...
Vampires, Shadow-Matter, Violence and Mystery - all in one place - there truly isn't anything to dislike about this story.
Cover Art: 5.0 / 5.0
For the first four issues of this series I liked the Variant Covers more than the non-Variant. This issue, I am much more impressed with the non-Variant Cover. Be that as it may, I do still enjoy the Variant cover very much, Thank You - and yes, I have been collecting both. :)
Art: 5.0 / 5.0
I am really enjoying this new artist. I was worried when looking at the first couple pages, but it really came together for me as the story progressed. I especially liked the illustrations of La Sangre at her home - they really portrayed her true age and perceived innocence.
Overall: 5.0 / 5.0
This series is definitely worth picking up. Now that the entire 12 Issue series has been confirmed, and a trade is on the horizon, many of you may be waiting for the collection. While I plan on purchasing the collection as well, I do believe, if you have the ability to get copies of this, and the previous four issues, it is well worth your time. As I stated above, the story, the pacing and the intent of this series has really started to solidify. With only 7 issues left, I would certainly prefer having a piece of the story, a little at a time, rather than wait for the trade to release - 8+ months is a long time to wait for such a fantastic series!