B.P.R.D. 1948 #2
Publisher: Dark Horse
Writers: Mike Mignola & John Arcudi
Artist: Max Fiumara (cover by Dave Johnson)
Colors: Dave Stewart
Back in 1948, the BPRD was still in its infancy. So when Professor Broom is approached about some insane beasts trying to kill people in the middle of the desert, he’s kind of at a loss for words. The others believe that the beasts are a byproduct of a recent nuclear test. The Professor thinks otherwise. Out in the field, Anders is starting to worry his fellow soldiers, too, and this is brought to the attention of Professor Broom. The Professor tells them that he’ll handle it later, and then skips off to meet the lady scientist that he’s attracted to. He and Dr. Rieu decide to check out the blast site where the nuclear test took place. They end up finding more than they bargained for when some sort of whacked out beast attacks them out of nowhere. She also shows Professor Broom some footage from the actual test that shows something lurking in the smoke. He tells her that he doesn’t see anything, even though there is obviously something there.
OK, so, as far as this book is concerned, it was very slow for an issue of BPRD. Not that it was a terrible issue or anything, and they did try to stick with the action/dialog rinse-repeat formula, but the action just wasn’t up to the usual standard that you get with BPRD. The pacing was a little off, too, and that may have been the real issue rather than the overall story. Most readers will enjoy the presence of romance with the Professor, though, and that’s something you rarely see. What’s going on with Anders, who knows, but it’s a good angle to throw into the mix.
From an artsy point of view, this one was great. Fiumara does a solid job with everything. Not over the top with the beasts that the BPRD must fight, and that’s the key. He also makes the book have a feel to it that mirrors the year of the story (1948). The clothing, and other peripherals, looked spot on, so no complaints about that either. The cover was absolutely fantastic, and Dave Johnson really delivered there! It’s honestly one of the best BPRD covers in the last few years. That’s saying something, because they typically have very stout cover artists on that title. Rating 3.5/5
Billy Dunleavy
billy@comicattack.net
