Alabaster The Good, The Bad, The Bird

Issues 1 – 4 of 5
Publisher: Dark Horse Comics
Written by Caitlin R. Kiernan
Art: Daniel Warren Johnson

Yes, I know I am writing this review with one issue left to go in this five-issue series. So what?

I first came across our heroine, Dancy, in Alabaster Wolves. I liked it, but was unaware before reading it that Dancy had a history before that. I haven’t read any of the previous works yet, but one day I will.

I liked Wolves enough, and Dancy herself, that I decided to read The Good, The Bad, The Bird

The Good of course is Dancy and her girlfriend Maise.

The Bad are the twins sisters Carson and Hunter.

The Bird is, of course, Dancy blackbird companion. I can’t figure out if he is supposed to be a sage character, or just a smart mouth who acts like he is a sage character.

The first four issues are somewhat of a mixed bag, and that is neither good nor bad.

Issue one introduces the Twins and shows Dancy in her own Hell, since she is DEAD. It is really more of a metaphysical experiment than an actual story.

Issue Two is more of a character piece revolving around Maise, Dancy’s girlfriend, who is the one who killed Dancy, albeit by accident. Maise and Blackbird, spend this time dealing with Dancy’s death, from over a year ago, and trying to live.

Issue three is where an actual plot of the series comes into play, and issue four ramps it up. The Twins, using Dancy’s knife they acquired in issue one, cast a spell to bring Dancy back to life. It works.

Naked and wandering with her resurrected life, Dancy comes across the Bailiff, a mysterious figure from her past. He takes her where she needs to be, to Maise.

After a brief reconciliation with Maise, Dancy finds her life turn upside down as always. Maise has been kidnapped by the Twins. They resurrected Dancy because they need her to be what she is: A Monster Hunter.

As I found with Wolves, the characters and the ambiance are the true strong point, with story and plot being second. However that is misleading. Yes, the first two issue are not really strong on story or plot, but they don’t have to be, they draw you in, and slowly let you know what is going on. Issues three and four reveal the story and drive home the plot leading to what promises to be a rousing final issue.

The problem with a structure like this is that everything hinges on the final act. If issue five delivers, then this is borderline brilliant. If issue five doesn’t, then you have something that misses the mark.

Final Thoughts:

The structure, and characters are strong enough to draw you in and keep you there for the journey, but the final issue with determine just how good the journey is.

RATING: 6