Review: Extermination #3

What a great week for comics huh? Seriously there have been some fantastic issues that are worthy of praise and Extermination can add itself to that list. The second issue was good, but got to a point in the story where it could go one of two ways that would determine the tone going forward. This issue solidified this book as Boom’s best title in my mind. Sure it has several elements that can be read as, “This is my version of Batman” or whatever other DC superhero you want to compare it to; but this series is so much better due to the fact that it doesn’t have the corporate shackles attached to it.

The story picks up right where the last issue left off with Nox and Red appointed leaders of the small civilization that they encountered. Promethean has joined their ranks and gives them the tip of keeping their emotions in check as long as the Aliens sweeper units are around. Red snaps to it and tells everyone to close their eyes and think of the happiest time in their lives. Nox argues with him during his entire speech until Red yells at him to lead by example.

Nox thinks of a time when he caught a crook named Mynxx and she seduced him into a kiss. It’s an awesome scene and you can see the attraction between the characters, but also captures Nox’s struggle to do the right thing and not be compromised by Mynxx’s ways. Nox decides to continue moving with Promethean and find Absolute the most powerful being on the planet; Promethean said that he’s asleep and needs to be woken so that he can save everyone. Red thinks he’s crazy since they’ve found a civilization that they rule, but ultimately they leave the survivors behind and hit the road.

Both the back story and present storylines are very well balanced and interesting. In the back story we get to see Nox and all of his morals as he stands up for himself and others. He’s the most awesome version of an unpowered crime fighter ever and can actually detect things. (We all know who I'm taking a dig at there). There was a scene between him and Absolute that you’ll never see anywhere else. As good as the back story was the present holds its own and frankly Promethean can’t catch a break. The writing is simply fantastic, from the plot to the dialog.

The art is good and the two artists on the book find a good balance between their respected styles to give the book a consistent look. The coloring is crazy considering it’s by three different people and it’s noticeable at times and completely hidden at others. It wasn’t bad, but the book could really benefit either from a studio that works tightly together or one solid colorist. If the art starts to dip it is going to hurt the quality of the book and that would be a real shame considering how good the story is.

I feel like I’ve handed out a ton of perfect scores this week, but all of the books really deserved it. This book does as well, but it needs to be careful in the art department going forward. Right now though it’s a fantastic book that continues to interest me every issue; it’s easy to see why it continues to sell out. If you missed out on this book then you’re only robbing yourself of one of the best superhero books being published.

Score: 5/5

Writer: Simon Spurrier

Artists: Jeffery Edwards and V Ken Marion

Publisher: Boom Studios

Price: $3.99

Release Date: 8/15/2012