The story continues its slow twist.
Creative Staff:
Story: Paul Levitz
Art: Tim Hamilton
What They Say:
In a precinct not known for murder, a killer is on the loose. If Detective Billy O’Connor’s PTSD doesn’t get in the way, he may be able to help his partner Nadira Hasan solve this eerie case.
Content: (please note that content portions of a review may contain spoilers):
Brooklyn Blood has certainly been interesting from the start with what it wants to do, though it struggles with its eight page run each installment in telling its tale. Levitz and Hamilton are definitely doing some interesting work here that’s stepping beyond what it seemed like it was going to be in the first chapter and is now becoming something more – though there’s still enough uncertainty as to what’s real and what isn’t. That’s part of the fun of a book like this in that it’s grounded but has its surreal/supernatural element that for the moment you can’t tell how it really factors into things. With O’Connor really starting to feel like he’s not breaking down but is being opened up to something else, the dynamic is definitely changing.
Not that it helps when it comes to Hasan as she wants to work this, her first big case, by the book in order to get it all done right. O’Connor, on the other hand, realizes something is amiss here and seeks alternative routes since she’s hitting a brick wall. When he takes her to a psychic to get some possible clues or unlock something in his own head in how to view it, there’s plenty to be made of old spirits looking for revenge, ley lines, and the power of the area that’s now being unlocked. Hasan’s disbelief is handled well – he amusingly calls her out of on her own faith over all of this – and it reinforces the problematic pairing with their approaches. O’Connor is doing something that needs to be done in situations like this in thinking out of the box, but you can also understand why Hasan is totally writing him off as ley lines and ancient powers feels like a different subject to her than her own faith shared by millions upon millions.
In Summary:
Brooklyn Blood has continued its descent into the supernatural and seeing how both of them are handling it based on their backgrounds is certainly interesting. O’Connor’s time overseas in the war has certainly colored his view of the world in being a lot more open to weird things out there, though this takes it to a whole other level. The balance of him and Hasan works well, though I keep feeling like the chapter is just starting to get engaging as it ends, making it a frustrating experience. Hamilton continues to do some solid work here as he brings Levitz’s scripts to life and I like the look and coloring of it once more. Part of me does wonder if this would have been better in black and white, but I’m enjoying it while still hoping for something solid to really make me go “ah hah!” and become fully invested in it.
Grade: B-
Age Rating: 13+
Released By: Dark Horse Comics
Release Date: March 16th, 2016
MSRP: $4.99
