Review: ‘The Author Immortal’ #3 Piles On The Questions

Writer Frank J. Barbiere is doing a decent job with characterization. Unfortunately, Barbiere keeps adding to the pile of questions already existing, and this could overwhelm certain readers.

Artist Morgan Beem provides the visuals for cover A and the main story’s interiors. Oddly, one of the characters that Beem draws a lot of in this issue pushes the boundaries of the Teen Plus rating. However, the depiction is never sexual, so it should be fine for the demographic. Beem also does a great job with the different points-of-view the panels exhibit. Not to mention the teeth and facial expressions of the various characters are great as well. The color palette does not see any change from previous issues other than it is possibly a little less wide in range. As for cover A: it should intrigue readers with the terrifying and unique design, especially fans of horror.

Letterer Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou continues to do excellent with the placement of the text. Nevertheless, some may argue that Otsmane-Elhaou should not place words under the effects the artist draws.

The back-up story features work by Barbiere and Otsmane-Elhaou along with artist Kate Kasenow and colorist Lauren Affe. This story continues to service the main one by acting as what appears to be a prologue. Yet, there are elements within it that make it questionable if it is actually something more. As for the colors, there is a wider range this time around simply because of a revelatory moment. When it comes to the art, there is a moment with a liquid that has a sense of motion to it if one looks at just long enough. In other words, Kate Kasenow and Lauren Affe deserve kudos for this installment.

Cover B is the creation of artist Sai Li. The design is an interesting mix of romantic gothic fantasy … at least in this reviewer’s professional opinion.

The Author Immortal #3 is out now from Image Comics.