Some cross-country rides are just weird.
Most of us know of the Lewis and Clark expedition which became the first to cross the western portion of USA (1804-1806) and their perilous journey that reaped both scientific and economic discoveries, particularly about the local Indian tribes there.
Here, Chris Dingess (Syfy's Being Human)delves into their journey with some huge twists, more of which come in this issue only. But what remains intact is the peril that these explorers are in and the bravery and cowardice that they exhibit.
The artwork by the team of Matthew Roberts (pencils/ink) and Owen Gieni (colors) is commendable. They complement Chris's writing very well and I hope this is the start of a beautiful partnership.
SPOILERS FOLLOW.......................
We begin with Lewis's journal entry as the expedition continues it's journey on the 23rd of May, 1804, expecting to reach La Charette in one-two days. Then he writes about a bird that Clark shot down so he could examine it.
We get a lot of Lewis's character in these pages (not to mention some breathtaking visuals). He's easy going and a dreamer. Roberts draws him slim and lanky, but with a detached calm air about him.
Through his journal, we learn about the crew (consisting of soldiers and convicts, in particular one convict Jensen who earns the Captain's wrath) and Clark, who assists in his research by shooting down a heron. Beneath that, he also writes about the secrets Clark and him are keeping from the men - that President Jefferson told them to beware of monsters in that region.
Clark comes in as Lewis crosses off his misgivings of the President's sanity liu his warning of 'monsters' and as they talk about the convicts and the secrecy, a mate comes in telling them they have made land.
Outside, they are greeted by an inverted U-shaped structure, made of tree barks and foliage. As Lewis studies it, Clark tells him that they are there to safeguard him while he works. Aside, he tells Seargent Parker to keep an eye on Jensen and the convict he's with.
Then Dingess gives us an example of the racial subjugation at that time, as 'Master' Clark tells a black shipmate to cut a sample for Lewis's research.
As he cuts a flower, a small tremor goes through the structure.
Away from the group, Jensen tells the other convict of his misgivings of this trip. He elaborates by saying that as they are all 'orphans' , if any or all got lost in this journey, no one will take notice of it back home.
He tells of the tragic back-stories of most of the crew as well as himself before Parker comes over and warns them of planning any mutinous schemes. Just then, a creature emerges from the foliage and gravely injures Parker, making his way towards Lewis before being shot down by Clark.
As the group inspects the dead body, Jensen kills a crippled Parker to keep him quiet. The dead body is revealed to us to be a centaur!
SPOILERS END.....................................
Mixing supernatural tones with one of the most important expeditions in American history, Dingess keeps the plot moving forward without sacrificing the character work. The pieces are being set.
The art, especially Roberts' pencils, is breathtaking and I hope to see more of his work.
So, I give this 9.0 out of 10
+Some great character moments
+Great visuals
+Nice balancing of plot and character
-Supernatural elements too brief
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