Image Comics

Protagonist Dee is returning from a five year sabbatical in Los Angeles, after the mysterious and sudden death of her parents in a freak tornado accident. When Dee comes back to Emeraldsville, Kansas for the funeral, things are not as they seem, and her family seems to be harboring a deep dark secret that could change her life. The Wizard of Oz has never been darker than with this morbid riff on the beloved children’s classic.

Moriarty #9 is a character piece to the near exclusion of every other part of the story. This quality will make it excel or suffer dependent on the reader. For those it latches on to, there is some smart writing and unique visuals that can entrance for quite some time.

With love interest Petra in mortal danger and Luther’s mother questioning his secret double life, Luther Strode is beset from all angles by the villainous plans of the Librarian. With blood, and horror on every page, Luther is taught the sacrifice of revenge and we are witness to an age-old battle of good versus evil.

The pacing may seem slow, the plot is a bit confusing, but Ed Brubaker and Sean Phillips' Fatale #2 is showing the makings of a truly great series thanks to their dedication to detailed storytelling and excellent, complimentary art. This is how comics should be made.