Clue writer Paul Allor and artist Nelson Daniel continue the momentum they started in the first issue. The primary focus of this issue is the investigation itself. The characters have already gone through and met one another for the most part. The design of this issue is to begin the investigation, as well as to further the relationships that have begun among the characters. In this way, Allor tosses his audience back into the thick of it as he adds some paranoia to the characters, leading them to act differently from how they normally would. It’s thoroughly entertaining to watch all of the characters go about their actions and decisions.
SPOILERS BELOW
Detective Ochre and Detective Amarillo have begun to question Professor Plum. Danie takes full advantage of this by letting the audience see through the lens of the camera. It gives not only a perspective of the types of filmmaking in the Clue universe but also points to a society beyond the comic that made a decision to go a different direction with technology than we did. Upton, the butler, continues to narrate everything, making us think he’s up to no good because he’s talking about and spying on the many guests.
The two detectives note there’s an unusual book in the bookcase. It reminds the audience of a good, old action movie or mystery. Soon, a secret room is unveiled, and the detectives begin to investigate things. This reveal is proof of a way to hide evidence from all of the people inside the mansion. Obviously, a person is seeking to spy on all of them and may very well be behind the events of the first issue. What’s really humorous is Upton saying how Americans are “always focusing on the wrong parts of things.” For an American comic book audience, this could be very meta with respect to how comic book fans bicker over what the best characters and comics are.
Senator White’s diatribe to Upton about how she’s not as well protected as others is entertaining. She says because she’s a US Senator that she deserves more protection. It’s interesting how she didn’t have any protection from the US Secret Service, FBI, or any other branches. She represents how most politicians are in the real world. Mr. Green and Miss Scarlett are also asking Upton for items. Their actions show that people truly do change when put in a different situation or their lives change. It’s definitely the case for these two who were likely different people before they ended up in the mansion.
What’s entertaining is the plot by Plum and Dr. Orchid to escape from the mansion. They have no interest in staying after what happened to Mr. Boddy and Mrs. Peacock. This is evidence of the paranoia that Allor introduced. All of the complaining or escape attempts derive from the fears all of the guests have. In fact, Plum full out decks Detective Ochre with a book when he tries to stop him and Orchid from leaving. Someone takes a crowbar and seemingly kills or knocks Detective Ochre out.
Things seem to point to Upton being behind everything, as Plum and Orchid realize someone has been growing flowers in the mansion. Daniel moves the camera’s focus of his art onto Upton once again.
Since Allor and Daniel are attempting to make us think it’s Upton, it might not be. It will be curious to see whether they make the butler the villain in the end as in the movie. They could make it someone else and turn the audience’s expectations on its head. Only time will tell who exactly is behind the events of Clue outside of all the signs pointing to someone.
Tommy Zimmer is a writer whose work has appeared online and in print. His work covers a variety of topics, including politics, economics, health and wellness, addiction and recovery, and the entertainment industry.
