Manifest Destiny #5 Review

In the jungle, the deadly jungle…………….

What a beautiful book this is! Matthew Roberts is someone I want to see more of and it’s sad I’m only getting him here.

Chris continues to establish the macabre world that Lewis and Clark are entering, but the main theme of exploration doesn’t get suppressed.

And the last page…..well, you have see it to love it.

SPOILERS FOLLOW………………..

Seargent Floyd, who got infected in the battle with the flora zombies last issue, has ‘turned’ and attacks the group inside the fort La Charrette.

Using their bayonets, the men pin him to the ground. Lewis cuts off Floyd’s infected finger for further study and then burn him.

While the team return to the keelboat, Charbonneau and Sacagawea remain on land. Lewis and Clark mount a return operation to the forest and for that purpose, reveal that they have adhesive incendiary devices on board.

If it came to that, they would raze the forest down. It’s good to see the clichéd horror troupe of odds against the group not being used her. Lewis and Clark have prepared fully for whatever the journey will throw at them.

Though who are the monsters?

This is reinforced when one of the fort women lie to sleep in Lewis’ blunker, but can’t, seeing the dead bird in the jar (see Manifest Destiny #1). There’s something grotesque about the explorers in their methods and Dingess doesn’t shy away from the fact that they’re willing to destroy natural habitat without any remorse.

Returning to land, the team divided into three groups, with each member having a definite role. Sacagawea reveals herself to be English speaking and attempts to join their hunt but is refused by Clark.

The groups search thoroughly but as seen, the forest is a perfect camouflage for the flora zombies.

One group comes across a deer grazing and this is another excellent spine tingling moment as a close up reveals it’s in a decayed flora infected state.

Burr. Nightmares.

As Lewis explores the notion of their being a ‘leader’ of the zombies, based on the infected Floyd’s statement that ‘We want you’, an explosion is heard.

The deer spotting group runs into the clearing, chased by what can only be defined as a menagerie of the most horrific stampede ever. See for yourself.

Matthew Roberts really shines in this issue. His artwork is detailed and intricate, really showing off all the horrors the unknown land holds for the expedition. The subtle work is also good, whether it is the insomniac woman gazing at the dead bird in a jar or Sacagawea’s steely demeanor.

SPOILERS END……………..

Giving us the stuff of nightmares, Chris Dingess with the help of some superlative artwork by Roberts, establishes how much of a hurdle the expedition is facing.

But the major improvement has been that Dingess can juggle the soft moments and the walls-to-walls fear inducing ones without losing a beat.

Yes, the plot has slowed down and we’re not further to solving the flora problem than we were in Issue #3.

But, oh the art! This may be the most beautiful book I’m reading right now. Now off to search for more Matthew Roberts.

So, I give it 9.5 out of 10.

+Excellent pacing

+Great grasp of both the silent and heavy moments

+The artwork is beyond superlative

+Brings up some great themes without being in-your-face

-Not too much happens to further the plot