Artist/writer Larry Johnson's Tales of the Broken B #8 is another imaginative winner, thanks to its high-flying, 36-page adventure, "The Airship."
The entry depicts the time when good ol' Clyde Brittle, Ernie Malone, Sam Gladstone and medicine man Tadawa encounter an awe-inspiring aircraft. Though it appears to be celestial at first, it is, in fact, an experimental, military vessel called the Avenger.
There's a catch to it, though. Its commander, Rexford Rothar, harbors an Ahab complex, and as such, wishes to use the ship as a means of vengeance on Tadawa's people. Clyde attempts to stop him but gets captured. What then ensues brims of full-fledged, unbridled suspense.
Johnson's spirited installment reminds me of one of my favorite, Wild Wild West episodes, "The Night of the Flying Pie Plate," which deals with an insinuated U.F.O, but "The Airship" is much more "grounded," flowing like a chapter play, as filtered through Jules Verne.
In a large and effective way, the story's strength comes from its antagonist. Rothar is a stubborn, hellbent son of a gun, but his angst (as conveyed by the commander's son in a poignant exchange with Clyde) bursts of contemptuous pathos.
Johnson's artwork is amazing, too, perhaps his most vivid to date. He also enhances his fable with a fascinating article on Soloman Andrews, a Civil War, dirigible ("Aereon") designer, which gives "The Airship" an earnest, historical context.
This is a terrific exploit (one definitely worth owning). Why not add it to your collection? It's easy enough to do. Just submit the Paypal sum of $8.00 to Mr. Johnson at Lewbrown1@verizon.net, and your issue will be promptly sent.
