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Dead Man’s Run #3
Publisher: Aspen
Writer: Greg Pak
Artist: Tony Parker
Colors: David Curiel
So it’s probably bad enough that you and your sister (who’s totally innocent by the way) have been murdered and then dragged to hell, but then to find out that to escape, you need to negotiate several levels full of demons, murderers, rapists, and every other kind of unsavory person as well. Sam realizes that being one of the architects of this prison, he has a leg up so to speak on the others that are trying to escape. Sam is leading a group of rag tags to the surface, or so they think. In reality, he’s leading them to where his sister, Juniper, is being held, then hopefully to the surface where they can bust out. Meanwhile, the warden isn’t happy about Captain Romero’s activities, and sets her sights on him and then on breaking out through the firmament (the barrier between hell and the surface world). There is also the matter of the guards and Captain Romero using the gold from hell to trade with the surface world. Which is strictly forbidden. Who will escape and who will be punished? It’s getting hotter by the minute down there, and Sam and Juniper are running out of time!
Another solid issue from Pak, and the only thing that anyone can complain about with this title is the length between issues hitting the shelves. Other than that, you get a unique story that has plenty of layers to it, and without being confusing, which is nice. Too many other books that have depth these days are convoluted or just don’t make any sense in the end. This is not one of them. You get a clear picture of who the characters are, and why they’re doing what they’re doing. There is some secrecy to the inner workings of the environment, but that will work itself out between now and the end for sure.

Tony Parker does a nice job with the art duties once again. He has a good grip on what hell looks like. How? Who knows, but let’s not ask too many questions that we might not really want to hear the answers to. The covers are great, as everyone should be accustomed to with Aspen. The “B” cover (below) is by Cory Smith, and is definitely a cool choice if Parker’s  cover isn’t crazy enough for you. If you pick up this series you won’t be disappointed. Pak and Parker have a good thing going here, and it isn’t stopping anytime soon. Rating 4/5

Billy Dunleavy
billy@comicattack.net