Devils Due Publishing – October 2008 – $3.50 – 32pgs – Color
Writer: Mark Powers – Artist: Shawn McMannus – Cover: Tim Sale
Synopsis: John basically shrugs his friends invitation to see him due to a report he has due the next morning. John’s friend ignores this and comes over uninvited that evening keeping John up all hours of the night until he passes out. When John wakes up the next morning he finds his friend has written the report, emailed it to his boss, and taken the liberty of asking for the day off for him! John’s buddy then takes the opportunity to share why his life is so great and what the benefits are to living a life without the need for sleep. John considers the opportunity and eventually decides to begin taking the drug.
Review: This issue felt like it moved at a very nice pace. The relationship between John and his friend is relatable and believable considering the time that has passed since they were close. John obviously is sick of his boring life, and almost jumps right at the opportunity to be a part of something special. I would say it seemed there was not enough emphasis on the negative effects of a drug that eliminates need for sleep. John does make a comment that it doesn’t seem healthy, but beyond that ends up not really caring. I just feel any normal person regardless of how good a drug might be for them would at least want to know what side effects could exist! Still, the writer made major improvements to the depth of the story from last issue. There was also a small two page introduction to an unknown character who kills two Mexican border police. I would guess by the physical appearance of the character that he suffers from some issues with the anti-sleep drug, and will eventually make his way into the main story. I’m liking the artwork, and the Sale cover looked pretty good too! (Hate the photo cover!)
Cover (A): 8.5 – Art: 8 – Story: 7 – Writing: 8
Average: 7.9
