Z-View – The Black Beetle: “No Way Out” #3 by Francavilla

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The Black Beetle: No Way Out is a four issue mini-series from Dark Horse Comics.

Written and Directed by Francesco Francavilla

While investigating a mysterious mass murder that leveled Colt City’s mob bosses, Black Beetle gets wrapped up in a puzzling maze of clues. Could the appearance of a costumed criminal named Labyrinto be related to the destruction of the powerful organized-crime racket?

*** Beware – spoilers may be found below *** The Good

  • Francavilla has set up the Black Beetle to look and feel like an old pulp magazine or movie serial.
  • Every month I sing the praises of Francavilla’s Black Beetle covers.  This is my favorite so far.
  • Shadows fall over the Black Beetle’s face while in disguise but out of costume — could they be a nod to Will Eisner’s The Spirit?
  • “Having me outnumbered makes them confident… but it also makes them predictable.”
  • Page before “Intermezzo” — who is that mystery man watching from above in the shadows.  Oh-oh.  I thought it was him.
  • “Tonight the madness ends.”
  • More bonus art from Francavilla!

The Bad:

  • “You were asking too many questions.  We don’t like snoops around here.”
  • Yikes!  There’s a mystery man watching from the shadows above.
  • “Guess I’ll have to check the body myself… Sometimes I hate my job.”

The Ugly:

  • “Not much left of the face.”

Black Beetle: No Way Out

Rating: 5 out of 5