Previously, well, Jayne was having a bit of an identity crisis, and it got weirder with the sudden appearance of his brother… and son in tow. Let that sink in… Jayne’s a dad!
So, after a relatively quiet issue to allow our Big Damn Heroes the space to process their feelings, things pick up in the issue, as we seem to be headed into the climax of the arc. David M. Booher’s handling of Jayne continues to be a highlight of this all-new series. Jayne feels authentic, but Booher keeps injecting these beautifully-crafted glimpses at his genesis as a ruffian, and since Mr. Cobb’s growth has been spread out over these last few issues, it all feels earned. With Booher’s deft touch with character work so apparent, I really hope for some more page time for some of the other characters that have been kinda pushed to the background lately. Namely, Inara. She’s due for some major developments that aren’t due to her relationship with Mal.
Vincenzo Federici returns to the ‘Verse, contributing some really stunning pages. Matt Herms’ color scheme for the opening segment is incredible, and it completely changes the way that Federici’s linework looks. There is such a bleakness (both physical and emotional) that’s conveyed so effectively in that whole flashback sequence. Gorgeous work, all around! Jim Campbell turns in his usual excellence with the letters… analyzing his technique for conveying so much emotional content in a “silent” medium is for those way more knowledgeable than myself, so I’ll leave it to them. But it’s effective and that’s all that really matters to me.
The sum-up: Jayne’s son is an interesting addition to the plot, and I wonder how their relationship will play out. Do they part after a bit? Does the kid stick about? Does Jayne leave with him? Regardless, this is the most human that we’ve seen Jayne in just about forever, so Booher et al. are truly delivering on the “all-new” promise there.
Creative Team: David M. Booher (writer), Vincenzo Federici (art), Matt Herms (colorist), Jim Campbell (letterer)
Publisher: BOOM! Studios
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