Image Comics reviews 5/22/24 – Cobra Commander #5, Void Rivals #9

Local Man #10

Jack’s luck can’t always be this bad, but he’s still on the downward spiral this issue. He can barely get through his father’s funeral before getting deluged with Farmington residents cursing him out and wishing the absolute worst for him. Not that he needs their worst wishes. Jack has his own downfall pretty well covered.

With all kinds of controversy in the wake of Camo Crusader’s murder at Jack’s hands, he’s decided the best course of action is to lay low. This works but so long when Jack is called home. He’s been gone long enough that Jack can barely recognize the hometown he left in shambles after the flood.

Writers Tim Seeley and Tony Fleecs continue to make these normal conversations feel important. Not for the sake of some big arc, just for necessary character development. There’s not a lot of flashy scenes, but the character work is strong enough to keep the story engaging. As usual, Fleecs’ Farmington art (with Brad Simpson’s subtle color work) is solid. Fleecs brings out so much emotion that Jack’s constant frustration is understandable.

A new mystery is brewing, but will Jack be in any position to solve it before it all unfolds?

The Third Gen story, with art by Seeley and colorist Felipe Sobreiro, is a fun night out featuring Crossjack and Softkore. This secondary story might hint at a darker problem, but Seeley captures the carefree attitude of the 90s perfectly.

Local Man #10 is moving on to the next arc with absolutely no trouble sustaining the momentum of one of Image’s most compelling titles.

Rating: 9 out of 10