DROWSE Chapter 4 Part 2
As Paul hunts down clues, all hell breaks loose around the city in DROWSE Chapter Four Part Two, by writers Frank Verano and Nick Klinger, artist Jaime Huxtable, and letterer Taylor Esposito. DROWSE is a treat every time a new installment drops, and this one is no different.
Paul hunts the city, getting closer and closer to the truth. As he does that, the People’s Project is training for their ultimate goal. Paul follows the clues to another body and confronts Ari about it. As the city erupts in violence, two attacks happen: the People’s Project moving against one of their targets and the burning down of an amusement park. Chaos reigns as Paul gets to his next clue.
Verano and Klinger drop yet another wonderful chapter of the story. This one sees everything start to pop off, but as usual, it’s the little things that make the story work. The subplot with Henry, a member of the People’s Project, having second thoughts about the whole thing is a great little wrinkle to the story, one that works if it plays into things later or merely to show not everyone, even someone like Henry. Verano and Klinger intelligently slip his past as a Korean War vet into the narrative, dropping some exposition into dialogue that feels natural, which isn’t something easy to do with exposition.
The twist at the end, with the attack on the people and the amusement park, shows just how devious the People’s Project is. It shows deft plotting and makes for some cool set pieces, especially when Henry runs away from the attack. It shows the skill of Verano and Klinger at plotting. One of the best parts of DROWSE is how it keeps the readers guessing. This chapter is no different; sure, there’s a lot going on, but there’s still so much waiting under the surface.
Huxtable’s art has always been stellar, but it feels like this goes farther than others. The character acting is on point, which is important for the scenes with Henry and when Paul confronts Ari. The colors and line work are amazing as well. The really interesting thing about Huxtabe’s art is the colors; this is hardcore noir, so the way it’s colored, with an almost watercolor look, is a breath of fresh air. Any other artist might have gone too dark with the colors, but not Huxtable, and that’s what makes the art so brilliant.
DROWSE is one of the finest mystery comics out there. Verano, Klinger, Huxtable, and Esposito are doing wonderful work in this story, and this chapter moves things forward brilliantly.
