Broken Frontier

In the last issue, disturbing revelations hit hard and some bullets hit even harder for Mark Grimm. In Anchorhead City, though, the dead are not always quiet.

With The Last Sin of Mark Grimm writer M. Sean McManus has managed to create a surprising, layered masterpiece. Bending and blending multiple genres, this title has consistently managed to explode expectations, conventions, and assumptions.

When last seen, protagonist Grimm was much worse for wear… namely by apparently being dead. His ally, Mack, drags Grimm’s body to Pluto’s headquarters but Pluto is already one step ahead. Resurrected by the drug, Icor, Grimm is beginning to see clearly now and he does not like what he finds. With Mack at his side, Grimm blazes a path to Pluto’s hidden lair but there will be more surprises before all the gun smoke clears.

Although this title can be read and enjoyed at the surface, there is a wealth of complex symbolism and nothing is exactly what it appears to be. As the mini-series draws to a close, McManus continues to mix Greek and Roman mythology with guns-blazing pulp-style action, and in the process creates a new kind of genre. The result is a smart and thought-provoking tale, a story that you will find yourself pondering as you dive deeper below the surface into the layers of meaning.

Artist Chris Moreno continues his stellar work as well, using his black and white art to create noirish atmospheres as well as delving into some of the wilder and more symbolic aspects of the story. He shifts easily from grit to horror and back without leaving a ripple to mark the transitions.

The addition of extra pages of art and story has caused the title to be resolicited with Diamond and is currently scheduled for an August release date. Those who cannot wait can find copies available at http://yhst-38644429533171.stores.yahoo.net/comic-books-the-last-sin-of-mark-grimm.html

It may seem an odd turn of phrase but The Last Sin of Mark Grimm is a haunting, two-fisted tale of revenge and justice that will occupy your thoughts long after the last page is turned.