Weird Detective reaches its final issue with the Juicebox Killer unmasked, Fayez in trouble, and Detective Greene about to go put a human foot to some cosmic ass. Is it good?
Weird Detective #5 (Dark Horse Comics)
Observations
- Much as I appreciate all this background info on Fayez, I still don’t understand how Greene can be…
- Oh.
- OH $#&@!
- Tentacle fight!
- That might be the most metal way a person could lose their job.
- “Greetings, lesbians.”
- Happiness and knowledge don’t always mix well.
Is It Good?
A near perfect ending to an outstanding series.
Writer Fred Van Lente sets things up with a jarring opening that sprawls into an epic (and surprisingly personal) cosmic brawl. It’s rare that you see the fate of the universe feel as important as one person inside of it—and in a nonromantic way—but Van Lente somehow pulls it off.
Even the weird stuff with that actor dude I don’t like/completely understand was enjoyable—although most of that is due to Guiu Vilanova’s fantastic art. In a series that has been filled with wide screen monster visages, his ‘out of this world’ moment might be my absolute favorite.
I also loved the intimate perspective we get on Greene’s budding humanity. He struggles with decisions that are both well intentioned and completely unethical. It makes his character even more sympathetic, but also solidifies him as someone you probably don’t want as a friend.
Van Lente/Vilvanova were also able to keep things sufficiently mysterious (and open for a sequel) while still wrapping up the main story in such a satisfying manner. The first shot of the series links up perfectly with the last, bookending a crazy narrative with a sage cosmic perspective.
The best part of Weird Detective, however, has been Greene’s interactions with Fayez. Cool monsters and bizarre murders don’t matter if you don’t have great characters. Aside from Carter (seriously, can someone please tell me what’s up with that guy?), Weird Detective’s outstanding cast is headlined by two of the best players to enter the modern Lovecraftian mythos—with the cat coming in a very close third.
And speaking of Lovecraft, you don’t need to know his work to enjoy this series. All you need is a love of great writing and fantastic art—and maybe just a touch of madness.
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