Writer: Shawn Aldridge
Artist: Scott Godlewski
Some Spoilers Ahead
Another one of my favorite mini-series of 2016 has come to an end as Shawn Aldridge puts the finishing touches on his horror masterpiece. If you have followed each issue leading up to this point, I applaud you. If not, I highly recommend that you pick up the collected edition when it hits stores because very few titles to be told in a six-issue format as of late have maintained such levels of quality and consistency.
It was pretty cool how the creative team brought things full circle by beginning this issue with a few images that echoed the first – and I bet Iris never thought someone would throw a severed head at his head. Perhaps that’s one of those “I guess you had to be there” moments. The rest of the visual content is what you have come to expect from the talented Scott Godlewski, who makes sure nobody will get eight hours of sleep after flipping through this.
Those who have stayed on board to this point will be rewarded by the final showdown between Iris and Ayah/Al Basti. The moral complexity this book has become known for deepens as the score is settled, but not before we take a trip to an otherworldly plane. I felt as though it added a layer to the finale that simple brawling couldn’t have.
The Dark & Bloody ends on a rather bittersweet, yet satisfying note and I’m not sure I would have had it any other way. The final page will make you think, but then again, I’ve been known to end stories in a similar fashion. If Hollywood is paying attention, they should know this tale is ripe for a film adaptation. Hell, I think it would even make for a great video game.
By the way, am I the only one wondering if that beak leaves a weird aftertaste in Ayah’s mouth?
Images courtesy of DC Entertainment.