Cemetery Beach #6
Image Comics
Writer: Warren Ellis
Artist: Jason Howard
With the sixth issue of Cemetery Beach, the story begins to reach its conclusion. Their ride to earth just around the corner, Mike and Grace finally slow down, though their pursuers aren’t quite ready to give up. Warren Ellis and Jason Howard have managed to do a lot with a fairly simplistic premise. All they need to do now is deliver a satisfying conclusion with the seventh and final issue. A good deal of modern comics read like illustrated film pitches and Cemetery Beach is no exception. The series at least has some real substance and style to offset that. Unfortunately, it does seem to have come at the expense of the characterization
Grace in particular displays a nuance and complexity that feels lost in the constant rush of Cemetery Beach. This issue has a few genuinely heartbreaking scenes with the character. They convey a lot of personality despite being relatively brief. With the series so close to finishing, it seems like there won’t be a chance to properly explore Grace’s character and history. On the other hand, you have Mike, who’s plagued by a very 80s action hero presentation. Moments of childlike gee often follow ones of righteous anger. That’s alongside a nearly nonexistent background. Knowing Ellis’ previous work, Mike could very easily be an indictment of the exuberant action hero archetype. Hopefully, the final issue will clarify this, as the protagonist is the weakest aspect of the series.
Even as the groundwork is laid for Cemetery Beach’s climax, Howard’s art is still the most impressive element. He ensures that each part of the space colony has a design that reflects its specific purpose and identity. He also does so without any part feeling too different from the rest. The rest of the designs have also been top notch and Howard has given the setting of Cemetery Beach a very well defined visual identity. Additionally, Issue #6 has also given Howard a chance to draw some less action-oriented moments. It’s unfortunate the series couldn’t have more of them, as they prove to be some of the more memorable parts of the series. Ellis and Howard have brought out a series with superb pacing at a time when most comics struggle with that.
However, Cemetery Beach definitely has enough undeveloped concepts and characters that it could have been a twelve issues series. That’s not to say it isn’t already a great book but there’s definitely more Ellis and Howard can do with it. That being said, Cemetery Beach issue #6 has all it needs to provide a satisfying conclusion for a surprisingly enjoyable book.
