The identity of the comic book killer has been uncovered! 
The only person who could help save Ellie and Ryan in the midst of the chaos is the very man that writes the book that the characters live in. It’s up to Donny Cates (wait, the writer of this actual comic? Yes, the writer of this actual comic) to free Ellie and Ryan from their imprisonment and prevent Father Lowe from enacting his plans. Who is Father Lowe operating under? How did The Comic book Killer get connected to father Lowe? Is Donny Cates really a hack? How dangerous are dialogue bubbles as a weapon?
This title continues to go off the rails and despite it feeling a bit all over the place with some of its meta-commentary about comic book writers, it still manages to keep its core conflict intact, putting all of the puzzle pieces in place. If you haven’t been made aware of how meta this series is, then this book ensures to remind readers of how self-aware it can be in the midst of its A and B plots of story. Donny Cates manages to poke fun at himself in numerous ways, echoing what is often said online about him being an “overrated hack” and even making fun of his own appearance as Alan Moore, which adds layers of humor for those in the know of the comic book industry and community.
Cates even asks the question of whether or not comic book writers are the true antagonists of all the characters that exist and created on their behalf. There are moments where the book can feel a bit too out there, but thankfully Cates makes the effort and brings everything together in context to the story, providing some moments of glee that anyone that is a fan of the comics medium of the last 20 years will appreciate and enjoy. The reveal of the antagonist and his reasons for murdering comic writers is valid and his characterization is consistent despite being a fun departure from what is known of said character. The way events unfold and come together is enjoyable to follow and continues to retain interest as to how Cates plans the conclusion of the current arc of this series.
Phil Hester and Klaus Janson contribute guest art duties exploring the journey of the killer of comic book writers, which they do a great job laying down the material. Meanwhile, Geof Shaw continues to craft the main parts of the book with clever layouts and cool sequences that automatically give the book a cinematic aesthetic that grips the reader into reading the book from beginning to end. From the reveals and gestures, they’re further enhanced due to the wonderful colorwork of Cunnif and the lettering of John J.Hill. This book has tons of madness, visual gags, and all sorts of beloved references that remind us all that the spirit of the comics medium is a power to be reckoned with, and this series is no exception. I highly recommend picking this title up, so that you could see for yourself and enjoy for new comic book day.!
Newsdesk