Part One: "Arturo"
Writer: John Rozum
Artists: Paul Lee, Sherri Van Valkenburgh(c)
Publisher: DC
Midnight Mass. begins with a brief premise establishment that was partially hinted at in the last series. Then writer/creator John Rozum introduces or for many reintroduces the Kadmons, the married supernatural investigators and slayers of monsters such as...vampires.
The vampire incident is a mere introduction. In terms of the story, it's a throw away scene, yet Mr. Rozum still makes an effort to keep the brief vignette fresh, funny and novel. The Kadmons are not remotely frightened and belittle the vaunted power of the vampires. The comedy is genuinely amusing, and the relationship between Adam and Julia Kadmon once again offers a mature discussion between partners that ends in a dance. No dusting occurs, nor do Hammer-like vampire beauties bare their breasts to be bloodied. There's no Anne Rice angst-ridden mewling here.
The plot of the entire story centers on Magellan, the evil demon lord briefly met in the last series. Here again, Mr. Rozum succeeds in doing something that very few comic book writers manage to do. To explain their actions Mr. Rozum imbues to Magellan's flunkies and followers motives other than hatred for the heroes. You even feel some sympathy toward the monsters. However, you can also see that the methods in which they wish to achieve their goals are completely half-assed not to mention in some cases evil.
Magellan's rationale outstrips the meager imaginings of the common demon. He's not merely interested in shelter from the storm. Revenge isn't the only thing on his mind. You hear it in his dialogue. He seeks ultimate power, and by fomenting the revolution for the demon hordes, he sees a means to achieve his goal.
This newest chapter in the Midnight Mass. collection easily matches the care in the stortycrafting of previous issues--all of which averaged out to a total grade of five silver bullets. One thing however has changed, and it will take time to get used to this new element. Jesus Saiz provided the distinctive, yet anatomic artwork on the previous series, but this issue introduces the new artist Paul Lee from Devil's Footprints, Angel and amusingly Buffy the Vampire Slayer. I admire both artists' work, but neither of their styles conform to any point of similarity. The switch is admittedly jarring, and I'll especially miss the owlish quality Saiz gave to Jenny, the Kadmons' assistant, but it's hard to complain when people look like people, monsters look like monsters and a full range of dramatic potential issues from each panel. It is a distinct pleasure to return to Midnight Mass.
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