Plot: It’s the 1939, World War II has begun, and Madame Xanadu’s troubles with the Phantom Stranger approach a dramatic close.

Comments: This is such a good book! Matt Wagner has been telling an epic origin story for Madame Xanadu, and along the way has done so much right. He has included historical, pseudo-historical, and mythical elements. So far we’ve gotten everything from Merlin, revolutionary France, to Jack the Ripper, and now America at the beginning of World War II. All the while he has interwoven the Phantom Stranger into her story, and has managed to explain her animosity for him, not to mention tie her to other DC characters like John Zatara.

Wagner has been telling a long story, which is composed of shorter accessible stories. There is not much reason why a new reader can’t just pick this issue and know what’s going on. At the same time, this is another piece in a larger tapestry, and one that should come to a close next issue, as the “To Be Concluded” at the end indicates. Which is great news--the story has been slowly building towards a conclusion, and has done so effortlessly, while telling great stories along the way.

Much of this issue is spent showing us Madame Xanadu’s relationship with Zatara, and this serves two purposes. It’s great character work, the bedroom scene between these two flows naturally and is funny, while also managing to serious when necessary. It’s also fairly heavily tied into continuity and advances the Phantom Stranger plot line. This balance of continuity and accessibility is hard to come by, and it’s a sign of a well written book. It’s also exciting to see Sargon and Dr. Occult mentioned, and these are gems to be enjoyed by the continuity savvy, but no prior knowledge is required. All of which is folded into the ongoing story involving the Phantom Stranger--which is advanced enough that next issue should be quite interesting.

Tthe art in this book is amazing. Amy Reeder Hadley’s work is dead on. She manages to make Madame Xanadu sexy, but never vulgar. That’s a fine line to walk sometimes, and all too often comic books stray towards vulgar displays of sexuality. There is some nudity in this issue, but it comes naturally and it’s not a forced display. There is also good attention to detail and really everything, from Friend’s inks to Major’s colors, comes together well in this book.

Final Word: This book is just another example of the great stuff that Vertigo is publishing. If you haven’t been reading this book, now is a good time to pick it up, because otherwise you’re missing out on some good storytelling.

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