From Monkeybrain Comics, Michael Moreci, Drew Zucker, Ryan Ferrier, Jack Davies, and Tim Daniel

 

In a world lacking law and order, who do you trust? In the one that Michael Moreci and Drew Zucker have submerged the reader in, those lines are extremely difficult to discern, making them easy to cross. In the past two issues, we’ve met a myriad of characters, and seen a great many of them die, but among them have emerged four that push this story forward – Cole, also known as Skybreaker, is wanted dead by many, Indian and American alike, but has a score to settle; Barek, who’s wanted by the Cavalry for deserting his post and for the death of one of their own; Cutter, the man trying to keep order through any means necessary; and General Franklin Taylor, a merciless son-of-a-bitch if there ever was one.

Since the first issue, Moreci and company have created a tone that makes you wonder how much more civilized we are than the caveman. As this issue opens up, Cole is among the natives, recovering still and Barek is searching for him, part of a deal made with Cutter. When he finds him, he’s got a deal for Cole insead. Barek’s the kind of guy always trying to stay a step ahead, and always willing to deal with whoever he has to to put himself in the best position possible. This issue also does a fantastic job of playing up Taylor’s ruthlessness in as violent a way as possible, making Cutter the lesser of two evils. In a world like this, though, that’s not saying much. By the end, the unholy alliance of Talutah, Barek and Skybreaker have made it back to town, just in time.

What makes this world so stunning is the almost random nature of the violence in it. It’s not completely devoid of purpose, but anyone could die at any moment. Zucker’s art is beautiful blend of nostalgia in the Old West motif, slightly tweaked for a modern audience. Let’s just say that you’re old “Black and Whites” never played out like this. Skybreaker continues to hit all the right notes and with a sniper’s precision. The end is near, and the body count is high.

ComiXology Link: http://www.comixology.com/Skybreaker/comics-series/10129