Review: ‘Of The Earth’ #3 Finally Shows Off The Wildcatter
by Tom Smithyman
Overview
The monster that’s been terrorizing a Texas ranch finally makes an appearance. But it could be too little too late. This limited series is suffering from outsized expectations given its impressive creative team. It needs to do more to live up to those standards.
Overall
8/10We finally get a glimpse of the underground monster in Of the Earth #3.
It’s taken until nearly halfway through the limited series to see the Wildcatter, the creature that is apparently threatening some residents in a small Texas oil town. Writer Chris Condon has been teasing the Wildcatter at the end of each issue with chapters of a fictional book about the myth. Now, though, artist Charlie Adlard brings it to life.
The jury is still out, though, on whether it’s been worth the wait. We only see a few fleeting panels with the creature. But its would-be impact has been felt throughout the first three issues.
Two minor characters are damaged by the creature — both physically and mentally. And main characters Tabby Black and Thomas Morton are dealing with the aftermath. As the stress levels increase, we learn a little more about these two. Tabby isn’t exactly who she claims to be. And Thomas, the roughneck, seems to be acting out of character.
(We also learn that oil has radioactive material in it and can cause radiation sickness to those constantly exposed to it. As Tabby says, “The more you know.”)
Still, this series doesn’t seem to be living up to its potential. With a writer in Condon who has proven himself with That Texas Blood, Green Arrow, and other series, along with The Walking Dead’s Adlard, expectations are high. For the first half of this series at least, the results are interesting but not blockbuster. Perhaps the next three issues will blow readers away. Otherwise, this run may just return to the Earth.
Of the Earth #3 — written by Chris Condon, illustrated by Charlie Adlard, colored by Pip Martin, and lettered by Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou — is available now in local comic book store and on digital platforms from Image Comics.
