What’s particularly notable about Clue and what separates it from the original movie is that it lets the audience in on the joke. This whole series is being manipulated by two people throughout the comic, and writer Paul Allor wants you to be completely aware of that. He’s not interested in making the big reveal that the butler did it when half of the audience reading this comic probably is aware that is going to be the end. So, he is showing you right away that the butler, Upton, is indeed the likely culprit and is manipulating this entire story. But, he’s not alone, and this is what changes things from the original film, where Mr. Boddy is simply a consequence of the plot. Here, he is indeed an important part of the book.
Detective Ochre is revealed to have been killed, and Detective Amarillo is not quite happy whatsoever with this development. Given that it was someone who she worked with on the police force, it’s not surprising she would have very strong feelings toward one of her comrades being taken down. What is quite obvious from the beginning of this issue is the presence of Upton. He is there, in the beginning, looking into everything that’s going on; however, Amarillo demands a head count of who is still alive.
Upton takes us through the various characters and what they are doing to deal with the murders occurring. Perhaps, the funniest of them all is Senator White, who barricades her room with pillows and sheets and everything she can use to prevent the door from opening. It’s obvious she does not want to have anything to do with anyone in the building and only hopes to protect herself from the potential death that may await her in a future issue. Soon, Green and Amarillo find themselves in an argument when Green refuses to say he might not want to leave. Obviously, Green is logical and does not look to stay in a place with a murderer. He does not wish to die, but he might be equally curious to see exactly who is behind the events in the mansion. Colonel Mustard offers to settle things before we get a random flashback into his past.
This is where Allor really makes things humorous. He takes the editor of the book, Carlos Guzman, and places him directly in the plot of the story. His use of the editor as a character reveals how the comic book process works when an editor and a writer are arguing about things. Upton is almost representative of Allor in that he is really the butler and guiding force of the story as the writer.
What’s fascinating is how Mustard is recalling his time in Afghanistan, protecting flowers from mercenaries; however, he eventually wakes up, coming to the conclusion he should have never believed in miracles. The relationship between Dr. Orchid and Professor Plum is quite amusing, as Plum almost loses his mind over there not being any options for him to get out of the situation. Orchid’s slapping him reveals just who still has their marbles throughout these events. Toward the event when Plum accuses Orchid of being the murderer, even after she helped him get his senses back, is worth all of the money you pay for this book.
Amarillo shows up wanting both of them to surrender while Green continues to attempt to court Miss Scarlett. It’s amusing to see him run away with the flowers he tried to place in her hair. While Green messes up Senator White’s setup when he banged on her door, the revelation of the alliance between Upton and Boddy, as well as a larger plot at hand, makes this issue maybe the best in the series. Not only is it well written, but the art by Nelson Daniel continues to impress.
This team is mixing things up with the format of the typical Clue story, and it’s brilliant. The plot twists have been great riffs on the expectations the audience had coming into the series. You don’t want to drop this book as things are just ramping up.
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.
