Eric’s Image Comics Review: MORIARTY #9
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.
“The Lazarus Tree” arc of Moriarty has seen writer Daniel Corey explore areas that are more self-indulgent, enlightening, verbose, and intellectually stimulating. It's both artful and personal, which may cause it to push away as many readers as it pulls in. To the latter set, there's something pretty engrossing in this character portrayal. That's essentially what this book is (if you couldn't tell by the title). Everything serves the purpose of defining exactly who Moriarty is. Other characters, the setting, or even plot elements are consequential when separated from that primary purpose. What keeps the book from becoming monotonous is that fiction's most noted villain going through an existential crisis throughout the comic's pages. The interesting part comes in the juxtaposition of this very egocentric personality going through this journey. There's also something very powerful in placing such a classic baddie in the role of protagonist a la Paradise Lost. There's some great dialog here that makes that champions that device really well. The titular character acknowledges his more famous past self, while constantly longing with an indescribable void. The reconciliation of those two ideals creates some great internal conflict/drama.
As stated above, everything in Moriarty #9 (and its predecessors) goes to the effort of developing the eponymous character. The unfortunate side-effect of this is that much of the actual narrative gets lost and what is there will be a bit out there for some basing itself on theoretical physics of time and reality alteration. Sherlock Holmes lore is no stranger to science fiction, but these elements might take some of the delight away from the more real personal dilemmas of the main character. It also serves to make things more convoluted than they need be. For those looking for a good character piece, though, it's still some great work.
It's been nice to see Anthony Diecidue develop as an artist over the last two Moriarty story arcs. While his unique style has remained consistent throughout, he's shown marked improvement in handling depth, action, lighting, and landscapes. Most panels are subdued and introspective, which are characteristics of the themes and overall narrative, but awe is inspired when needed. It's very much a game of contrast that works very much to the comic's favor. There's also a better use of colors than has been seen in this series for a while (The transition from dark London streets to the brighter Indian jungle did take some time.). Like the writing, the almost wood-carved, rough hewn look of it all will have its detractors, but its distinction from the streamlined is a part of its charm.
Story: Daniel Corey
Art: Anthony Diecidue
Cover: Anthony Diecidue
32 Pages/FC
$2.99
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