Review: The Dead Hand #5

In the fifth issue of The Dead Hand (Image Comics), everything from the previous four issues comes together. Harriet learns the truth of her quaint mountain town, and in doing so, finds out about Roger. Better yet, Roger finds out about her, and that is not acceptable to Sheriff Carson. In the meantime, Vil is coming to town with an MI6 agent who is trying to find his missing partner, and we learn who (or better yet what) Roger is and why people are so careful around him.

Without a doubt, since The Dead Hand hit the shelves, this has been one of the books I anticipate every month, and this fifth issue is no exception. Although we“ve already met Roger, this issue really gives us the background information that has been missing as to why people take care of him. I“m really happy about the way writer Kyle Higgins has created this character. We see him as a 10-year-old boy, while he“s really a super computer with a specific task. The buildup to this issue has been gradual but was certainly worth the wait. I“m someone who likes a slow reveal in my comics, and it“s taken until the fifth issue to truly be in the loop on everything that is going on. This is a good thing. The story has unfolded slowly and Higgins does a tremendous job of revealing things when they“re needed.

Artist Stephen Mooney has created a graphic masterpiece in terms of the symbolism used. From the iconic fist encircled by lightning bolts, to the splash title page we are greeted with early in each issue, the panels are exquisite and the work is borderline iconic. This, along with the brilliant color work by Jordie Bellaire and letters by Clayton Cowles, make this one of the most artistically sound books I see on a regular basis.

The Dead Hand is a modern comic, that draws upon late 20th century history. Imagine if the USSR had created a computer like we saw in the movie War Games, but it gained the sentient awareness that we were made aware of in The Terminator. How long could the world keep that genie in the bottle? I guess we“ll find out as the story continues to unfold. Trust me, I will be waiting each month to find out what unfolds.

[yasr_overall_rating size=”large”]

(W) Kyle Higgins (A/CA) Stephen Mooney

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Bryan Spaulding

In his free time, other than reading comic books, Bryan enjoys listening to his ever growing record collection and driving his 27 year old roadster named Mingo.