Writers: Keith Giffen, Alan Grant
Artist: Rael Lyra
Publisher: Boom! Studios
Last issue had Jeremiah Harm searching for three escaped convicts. The convicts (Ayoma Skiver, Dak Moira, and Brune S’Maze) were looking for the Basal Shard, one of the oldest substance in the galaxy, and Dak Moira (the thinker of the group) believes the Shard could destroy the whole universe. They began their search in the Bronx. Issue #2 ended with a fight brewing between a local gang and Ayoma Skiver.
Issue three opens in the Bronx with a fight between Skiver and the Raptor gang. Skiver uses the gang to satisfy her bloodlust by offing most of them with her hands and teeth. Skiver is a very tough girl, as demonstrated in issue #1 in her harrowing escape from a prison. Soon Skiver and Harm get into a fight. While these two are battling, Dak Moira and Brune S’Maze search for the Basal Shard. Also, ever since the convicts arrived in the Bronx, a mysterious dome has covered the city. Harm, not wanting to be a standard hero, declines to do anything about it.
Typical great dialogue and minimalist imagery make Jeremiah Harm #3 a real event for science fiction comics. But this issue is not without its imperfections: choosing dialogue to move much of the story rather than action is a mistake, the dialogue slows the story down, and this issue has a good beginning but a poor ending. In previous issues, heavy dialogue was used sparsely but in this issue, a change was made. For example, while Dak Moira and Brune S’Maze are looking for the Basal Shard, a lot of dialogue is wasted while they consort with humans. That said, the supporting characters can be very interesting. The villains are clever, ruthless, and believable.
In the beginning of the story everything seems fresh and the action (namely Skiver tearing up the Raptor gang) movies quickly from panel to panel. But as the issue continues, it is slowed down by dialogue and doesn’t focus on Jeremiah Harm enough. This issue lacks the characterization of previous issues. Jeremiah Harm is a fascinating character who isn’t explored enough in this issue; perhaps instead of introducing new characters, more focus should be placed on the characters introduced in the first issue. Harm does stand out as a classic anti-hero, not out to save anyone but himself. The artwork is vibrant, showing specific details to set each scene. The character sketches fit into the story perfectly, as we’ve already seen, and it’s the artwork that allows Jeremiah Harm to receive a high grade and respect. The artwork shows how much Boom! Studios is out to make a name for itself by making quality comics. In the end Jeremiah Harm #3 is a grand ride that should be enjoyed.
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