Broken Frontier

Ursula is in the hands of the enemy and, even as the Black Coat races to save her, dark threats loom over the Colonies.

The first Black Coat miniseries gallops to its conclusion and leaves the reader stunned in its wake. There is high heroism and bold moves here and the creative team for this series deserves hearty congratulations on The Black Coat’s freshman outing.

Nathaniel Finch (A.K.A. The Black Coat) has discovered the terrible secret of his enemy, the Butcher. As Finch moves to rescue Ursula he also plans to face his truly monstrous enemy and the monster’s equally evil brother. Meanwhile, the mysterious League grows impatient for a promised discovery, a discovery they hope will aid them in their mastery of the Colonies. The Black Coat must face his greatest challenge so far but is he prepared for the price of victory?

All along this series has paid tribute to its roots in the pulp and adventure story tradition. In this final issue, writer Adam Coganplants the plot squarely in the Victorian Gothic Horror tradition. Shades of Frankenstein’s Monster abound and there is a dash of mad scientist for fun as well. The only elements missing are the torch and pitchfork crowd and a castle to storm. The Gothic Horror melds perfectly with the black and white art, giving the reader a feeling of watching one of the old, classic, Universal Studios monster movies.

Not content to play it safe with the plot, either, Cogan opts for a cliffhanger ending. While it is bold, dramatic, and a good fit in the story context, it leaves fans wondering when, or even if, the story will be fully resolved. By leaving plenty of story points to be followed up later, the creative team also leaves the climax somewhat unsatisfyingly unfinished. Hopefully there will be a second series to follow, wrapping up what was begun here. The type of pulp-influenced, historical fiction adventure that is The Black Coat: A Call To Arms has been a welcome addition to today’s market.

As was previously mentioned, the black and white art of Francesco Frankavilla is breathtaking as usual. His work has consistently delivered a wonderful clarity and detail that is never obscured by over inking or heavy contrast. Hopefully, again, The Black Coat will not be the last we will see of this talented artist.

In looking back at some of the trials and tribulations this title went through in order to make it into readers’ hands, one could almost dub it "the little comic that could." Month after month, The Black Coat delivered swashbuckling action and adventure. Although it stumbles a bit here at the finish line, it still comes in ahead of the pack.