Image Comics reviews 1/25/23 – The Magic Order Vol. 4 #1, Junkyard Joe #4

Junkyard Joe #4

The fourth issue of Junkyard Joe plays out in a lot of ways like a classic Disney movie. Geoff Johns is a magical writer so it probably shouldn’t be a surprise that he’s able to make this concept work.

Still, it’s some of his most impressive work. Johns takes a grieving family still reeling from the loss of their mother and pairs them with a widower and his fellow soldier — a robot suffering some form of PTSD. All while an armed group of presumed soldiers are closing in searching for Joe.

Gary Franks’ art remains impeccable and so vital to this series as he’s so adept at capturing and beautifully conveying emption.Brad Anderson’s colors are rich and bring so much life and warmth to the series.

Johns brings a relaxed pace to the issue and series as a whole. He’s not rushing anything and this slower pace is working for the book. This isn’t about crazy action scenes and feels more like it’s about healing.

Healing for Moody Davis, the cartoonist behind Junkyard Joe; Joe through his trauma and Emily, Will and Grace as they get acclimated to life in a new state without their mother.

It’s not the typical comic book, but perhaps it’s something better.

Junkyard Joe speaks to an uncertain time while offering a glimpse of something worth living for if the characters (and readers?) are willing to embrace it.

Rating: 9.5 out of 10