Comic Review: Middlewest #3

Middlewest #3

Image Comics

Writer: Skottie Young

Artists: Jorge Corona & Jean Francois Beaulieu

Abel and Fox are out looking for someone who can help cure Abel’s ailment. Unfortunately for them, the path isn’t safe and there are people who wish to stop them from proceeding.

Skottie Young’s script continues to shine in this issue. Many readers will find themselves relating to Abel’s situation, especially with his father. Young effectively blends reality with fantasy in Middlewest, making a monstrous father a literal monster. Abel thought he knew his father, but the recent exposure to his other side has Abel doubting everything. Those who have experienced trauma caused by loved ones will find Abel’s emotions all too real, and it makes for wonderful writing.

As the issue’s cover implies, Abel’s father makes a return in this issue, adding another interesting dynamic to the book. The character, like Abel, is dynamic and written well. Despite what happened in the first issue, Abel’s father still feels like he is human. It’s easy to appreciate the character playing more than an antagonistic role, and I look forward to seeing if he can somehow redeem himself in the future.

Overall the pacing of this issue is great, as Young juggles two characters in two different locations. The break from the protagonist and change in scenery ensures that the book stays engaging throughout. Young’s writing finely balances excitement and somber conversation. The story itself hasn’t done anything too exciting since the first issue, but that doesn’t prevent this from being a fun read.

Jorge Corona’s pencils continue to capture the spirit of the book, while Beaulieu’s colors shine. While every panel of Middlewest looks spectacular, the book looks especially great with daytime settings. The character designs are fun, and the variety of settings suit the tone set by the writing. The final page feels bright and full of wonder. That sense of wonder is what the team does best at evoking, and I hope to see them continue to bring new creative settings to the series.

Middlewest #3 is another successful issue, giving us a break from Abel and Fox to humanize a character that was previously thought to be irredeemable. The sense of wonder is still there, and this is an easy title to recommend to fantasy fans.