‘Exploit’ #3 Packs A Punch For Different Reasons — A Review
by Benjamin Hall
Summary
Journalist Kirby Kuo is on the run with her roommate. Also Mr. Ipsum’s origin sees exploration. Yet, what is this about an explosion in the 1980s? For that matter what importance does this prior event have to do with Datum’s new CEO and his evil scheme?
Overall
6/10Writers Tim Leong and Laura Hudson open this issue in a way that will probably disorient several readers. The disorientation is coming from a flashback that both expands from the premise and seems to slightly deviate from it. Not to mention, there is also the shift in focus to yet another protagonist for the narrative. Therefore, one could say that this is more of an ensemble tale versus the story of Kirby Kuo as an up-and-coming journalist. Yet, Leong and Hudson might be retaining various readers’ interest with the overarching plot, maintaining focus on all the subterfuge plus the risks of journalism.
When it comes to the dialogue, there is a lot in existence and this slows the reading experience. Nevertheless, all of the dialogue, except perhaps one word, seems necessary. However, an additional issue with this series would probably allow for the pacing to pick up a bit in this one. Despite that, there is a lot of great social and political commentary in the entirety of this issue. Also, there are avenues from select plot points and in-universe references that Leong and Hudson might explore in a future spin-off or sequel. Of course, this all depends on how they feel about doing so, and the fate of the cast of characters in the next issue.
Artist Emiliana Pinna and Colorist Rebecca Good provide the visuals for both the cover and the interiors. Pinna is using a different style and Good a different palette on the cover than in the interiors. Unfortunately, the quality is way better on the cover than the interiors. The most problematic element is the lack of visual consistency, especially when it comes to the main character’s appearance. This could be a case where Pinna and Good are rushing to do the story pages. Whatever the case actually is the result is a massive step down from the previous two issues of this four-issue tale. Arguably, there are still enough unique visuals, good panels, and fine enough coloring to make it worth reading.
Letterer Frank Cvetkovic expertly handles the application of the abundant amount of text elements. Without Cvetkovic, the more experimental scenes would be undecipherable.
Exploit #3 is available now.
