Advance Review: ‘Mugshots’ #3 Has Obscure Clues

Writer Jordan Thomas continues to produce solid enough scripts for this title. However, part of the mystery seems to be lacking clear clues. This means that while Thomas is creating a good crime story the missing person mystery is not as good. Thomas also veers off from having the lead character be the only one whose thoughts readers are privy to. While this is arguably interesting, and gives more depth to another character, it makes the lead feel a little less like the main character. Nevertheless, the plot is progressing very nicely and seems to be heading to an appropriate conclusion in the next issue. Whether Thomas can successfully wrap up the narrative with so many suspects existing, and the unclearness of the clues, is anybody’s guess.

Artist Chris Matthews creates the visuals for both the cover and the interiors. The cover is of debatable quality since it feels a bit like a splash page. This debatable quality ranges from high to medium. Still, Matthews does well with the proportions and characterization on this cover. Also the shadows don’t appear quite right to this reviewer. When it come to the interior art Matthews does great in terms of consistency, proportions, characterization. A notable bit of characterization is how Matthews shows the lead to be sneaky by subtly being in the background in a “Where’s Wally?” kind of way (Where’s Wally? [1987]).

Letterer Lucas Gatoni does a great job at positioning the lettering. Though the text box explaining the automatic language translation could possibly have a better position. Also some of the balloons don’t look totally right in formation. Yet, this is only noticeable for those heavily studying, or familiar with, lettering. Still, Gatoni does a fantastic job with every other aspect of lettering this issue. Thus, the overall quality is still very high.

Mugshots #3 comes out September 25 from Fantasy Road.