Comic Review: Butcher of Paris #3

Butcher of Paris #3

Dark Horse Comics

Writer: Stephanie Phillips

Artists: Dean Kotz & Jason Wordie

Stephanie Phillips’ serial killer story based on the true events of Nazi-occupied France is entering the halfway mark. Detective Massu and the Gestapo now suspect that Doctor Petiot is the one responsible for the murders, but they can’t find the assailant or his motives.

Butcher of Paris #3 is a murder mystery that takes a look at the horrors that humanity is capable of. Petiot was nothing short of a monster, and Phillips does a fine job at making that clear for the reader. This issue mostly examines how those who were close to Petiot perceived him, and it should all feel familiar to readers. The words and sentiments expressed in this issue sounded a lot like what we hear from those who know mass shooters. It all feels eerie as our detectives try to interrogate their way to answers.

All of this success is made possible by the strong dialogue in this issue. Those who want an action-filled issue will be disappointed. This issue is all about trying to find answers and there aren’t too many thrills here. This isn’t really a bad thing, because the dialogue and character interactions all feel authentic. It’s an effective look at how Petiot’s actions affected everyone around him.

Butcher of Paris continues to have strong art that allows the story to be told naturally. Dean Kotz’s gritty style is a fine complement to Phillips’ writing. It’s gory when it needs to be, but has a solemn, serious tone for the majority of the issue. The panel layouts are simple but effective, and allow the events of the issue to flow through the pages without a hitch. Jason Wordie uses harsh colors to add intensity and urgency to the panels. Overall, everything comes together to make Butcher of Paris #3 a great reading experience.

For those who are wanting a fantastic look at a little known part of history, Butcher of Paris is about the best choice out there. It’s dramatic, tense, and eerie. Phillips, Kotz, and Wordie are a little more than halfway through this miniseries, but it already feels like a surprise hit. Be sure to pick this one up.

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