Postal #14
Writer: Bryan Hill
Artist: Isaac Goodhart
Colors: K. Michael Russell
Letters: Troy Peteri
Publisher: Top Cow/Image
Reviewed by David Hildebrand
Did I mention that I’m glad Postal is back? I’m pretty sure that I did, but…..I’m PSYCHED that Postal is back! Last issue was a dynamic start to a new arc focused on the Aryan resident of Eden, Rowan. He has relocated to the edge of town, but trouble has found him. Mayor Shiffron has taken his side and the foundation was laid for what is sure to be an amazing showdown in the end.
This issue halts the action momentarily and takes the time to fill in spaces of the story. We start with a flashback to the 70’s with Isaac and Laura face to face with a law enforcement officer. The scene reminded me of the diner scene in Natural Born Killers, but Laura is a little less Mallory here. She is holding a revolver at the officer with Isaac encouraging her to kill him. She is reluctant, but pulls the trigger, silencing the officer’s pleas as well as his life with a bullet to this head. Isaac asks if she has ever felt so powerful, but you see the emotion in Laura’s face that she is remorseful for her actions. Once again we see the power that Isaac had over Laura and reflects on the power she currently has over Eden.
From there we see each group, the powers that be of Eden and a pair involved with the Aryan race determine what their next plan of action will be. Hill continues to be brilliant with his script. I was taken back by how well he fleshed out Rowan last issue. This time around, he tugs at the reader’s emotions by showing a soft, kinda warming side of the FBI Director Schultz’s sociopath of a daughter, Molly. Mark has sought advice from her, still locked in her cage a la Hannibal Lecter. Hill has a way of making you like the characters that normally you would loath. Mark keeps himself detached from most people, but Molly has found a way to lure him to her and keep him there. Molly is proving that even though she is locked up, she is just as threatening and it will be interesting to see how much longer she stays in captivity.
The end of the issue was a surprise to me as I’m sure it will be to anyone else that is reading. However, I felt indifferent about it. I don’t quite know what this new variable will lend to the story, but I have not one doubt that Hill will make this work. Goodhart continues to do an amazing job with the art. I especially liked the flashback in the beginning, combined with Russell’s colors, the pair pull off a fantastic moment showing a key part of Laura’s past. It’s short and to the point but wonderfully crafted. The rest of the issue is just as well. The exchange between Mark and Molly stands out here again as far as the visual aspect. Molly looks sincere, the colors make it warm and fuzzy, but this chick is lethal and something is going to happen!
Verdict:
Buy it! The book continues to get better as we progress. This one didn’t have as much action as the previous, but it isn’t always needed. Hill’s script is so solid that you become entangled with all the characters and their motives. As well as what they are going to do next. Do yourself a favor and read this book! PS: I’m totally digging that noir cover that Goodhart did for the issue. Love it!
