Review: Devil's Highway Vol 2 #1 (of 5)

Murder, rituals, conspiracies all in the quiet part of America; you would be forgiven in thinking that we are back in X-Files country. In fact, we are trucking into the start of the second volume of Devil’s Highway with Quentin Skinner and Sharon Harrow back on the trail. Still, things aren’t always as they seem, and wit unseen enemies lurking around every bend in the road, how are these two going to solve the case?

A strange sets of corpses bring Quentin and Sharon, the latter struggling with her problems, back on the road. In doing so, Quentin runs the risk of being spotted with his head over the parapet and Sharon, well, by chasing other demons keeps her internal ones quiet. It’s not long before the pair are causing trouble for those they come across.

Everyone should know that I have enjoyed Benjamin Percy’s work previously, most notably Green Arrow. Here there is a more mature vibe, carried over from the first volume, no doubt. The set-up works well; there is a genuine horror feel to the opening act of the books, a sense of foreboding that unfortunately bears true. Percy also handles the complicated relationship between Quentin and Sharon, specifically the Sharon part of that equation. Throw in a conspiracy that has snaked its way into the highest echelons of law enforcement and you have a books that has a lot going on. Percy handle all aspects well, never staying in place too long, giving the books a decent pace.

The art is provided by Brent Schoonover who aims for a realistic look, that works in the early half of the book. Everything looks as it should, things are easily recognisable. The interaction between Quentin and Sharon is visualised well. Things do get a little perspectively challenged toward the middle of book, with characters in odd body angles, feeling as if they aren’t part of the environment. Thankfully this only a happens a few times, mainly when action is called for. I guess dynamism is hard to maintain when you are going to realism. Colors are provided by Nick Filardi who delivers a scheme that screams real world. Strong detailed colors with a nice touch of texture that really sells the various environments. Sal Cipriano, not listed on my review copy, provides a matter-of-fact font that adds to the overall vibe and feeling of the book.

AWA thrive on this type of mature storyline; sometimes its not clear who the good and bad guys are or if there are good guys, they are fragile as if one more bad case or situation will break them forever. The fact these types of characters are driven to fight the good fight is matter of their own personal issues as much as it is in protecting others in the world. It is this level of ambiguity that makes this book an interesting read.

Writing – 5 Stars

Art – 4 Stars

Colors – 5 Stars

Overall – 4.5 Stars

Written by; Benjamin Percy
Art by; Brent Schoonover
Colors by; Nick Filardi
Letters by; Sal Cipriano
Published by; AWA (Artists Writers & Artisans) Studios

Author Profile

Johnny "The Machine" Hughes

I am a long time comic book fan, being first introduced to Batman in the mid to late 70's. This led to a appreciation of classic artists like Neal Adams and Jim Aparo. Moving through the decades that followed, I have a working knowledge of a huge raft of characters with a fondness for old school characters like JSA and The Shadow

Currently reading a slew of Bat Books, enjoying a mini Marvel revival, and the host of The Definative Crusade and Outside the Panels whilst also appearing on No-Prize Podcast on the Undercover Capes Podcast Network