I’m actually quite the fan of this series and it’s a shame it
doesn’t come out more regularly but thems the pitfalls of self publishing. Even so it’s easy to pick up the latest issue and find yourself right back in the thick of it. Its nice that you can instantly remember everything that has happened which goes to show what kind of impression it’s left on me and how good the writing has been if I can find that same joy for it regardless of time between issues.
So after identifying the victim and starting his investigation of the crime scene ATF swoops in and takes over booting Robles to the curb. Well so much for interdepartmental cooperation and it smells a little fishy too but that could be mind at work projecting something else. So what’s a Detective to do when he’s booted from a crime scene? He heads off to see other members of the family where he knows they are.
I really have to say I like how Paul is able to tie in all these causes of death or attempts of killing to stories that all come from the same time. I love the history lesson on this family it’s convoluted, complicated and all kinds of you wish you knew this much about your own family history. Plus that the only person who really seems to be seeing the connection here is Robles makes it all that much more fascinating. How he’s going to put all the puzzle pieces together eventually is beyond me but I’m just here to enjoy what’s going on.
So far
this the best I’ve seen the interiors look as well. It’s nice to see someone grow and evolve as they do more work like this. Renee’s got a great eye for storytelling and I like the angles and perspectives used here. The backgrounds and the flow through the pages and panels are great. The faces and expressions have so much to them. I also really like the whole watercolour effect that’s going on with the bleeding of colours here and there it’s a great effect and it’s very well suited for this.
Alright so Robles makes a date with Samuel Wood, well not a date date that would be unprofessional it’s for drinks though as Sam wants to talk about the family. So with what Mark is going through with all this it’s no surprise he’d take him up on it and I love that the whole “date” thing is misconstrued it adds something to the mix that I’m enjoying. Still the way this issue ends was a little surprising and I cannot wait to see what Mark’s going to do next because if there’s one thing the writing and characterization has proven he’s not about to give up on this case.
I’ve been telling you all for ages these are the types of books that make you remember why you loved comics in the first place. Hit up the artist alley and small press folks at your local, or national, conventions and find these little books that are solidly told all around. It’s fun to get lost in something when you can see the passion put into it.
Editor’s Note: Head here to find out how you can grab up a copy for yourself!
Rotten Roots #3
Bad Kids Press 2016
Created, Written & Lettered by: Paul Axel
Illustrated by: Renee Majkut
Formatter: Tom Majkut
Reviewer: Steven Leitman
Summary: Detective Mark Robles has his hands full as the mysterious deaths and attempted murders of the Woods family tree continue in Osprey. What or who is behind this sudden eradication of the Woods family tree? That’s what Detective Robles is trying to find out but with each new revelation coming from the past leaves too many questions about what’s happening now.
