Salem’s Daughter #5 (Zenescope – Tedesco / Gregory / Viacava)
The conclusion of the two-issue Jersey Devil storyline is here. Braden looks for Anna who has gone missing as his suspicion of foul play by some of the small New Jersey townspeople grows. Meanwhile, Anna finds herself in a dangerous situation trapped inside the beast’s lair and looking for a way out. But as Braden begins to learn the truth, he realizes that both he and Anna are in much more danger than they thought.
There are plenty of fanboys around, in particular younger ones, who don’t think western comics can rock it. If you are one of those folks who believe that a “cowboy comic” can’t intrigue you or keep the suspense going, Zenescope’s Salem’s Daughter will prove you wrong!
If Buffy the Vampire Slayer was set in the old west, it wouldn’t be better than this book!
Issue #5 closes up a two-parter where a monster is feeding on the members of the local town – with help from the cultist sheriff that is. It is up to the two protagonists – a gritty cowboy looking for redemption and a teenage girl with unchecked psychic/supernatural powers – to set things right, expose the lies and protect the innocence. Great bad guys, interesting macro-plot, good story arcs, beautiful art (in that lovely eye-candy Zene-tradition) – there really is nothing not to love about this book. If you have ever enjoyed Fringe, X-Files, Buffy, Supernatural, Brisco County Jr… then there is something here for you!
The only negative I can say is that one of the variant covers done for this issue is by Rob “no talent growth” Liefield, if you want to know more about my take on him check out our dork list! Outside of this repeat cover that he probably lifted from one of 90’s X-Force covers, this really is a brilliant book!
Issue grade: A
