Review: The77 Issue #3

I got my issue #3 of The77 through the door today, so here's a quick spoiler free run through of the stories.

The issue I got came with a great cover by Ade Hughes featuring the characters from 'V', which is the opening story to this issue.  There is also a beautiful variant cover by 2000AD droid Paul Williams. 'V' part 3 Created by Steve Bull and Ade Hughes (SpaceWarp) both expands the world our heroine Anat now finds herself in and adds another layer of intrigue.  Who are her rescuers and what is their 'tech'?

'GRID' Introduces us to a top assassin who just wants a quiet drink Created by Dave Heeley and Neil Sims.  I'm looking forward to seeing where this goes, Neil sims art complimenting Dave Heeleys script perfectly. 

'The Screaming Hand' The third instalment by Kek-W (2000AD: Deadworld, Fall of Deadworld) and Conor Boyle (Hook Jaw)  I think this has been my favourite episode of the story so far, lots of action and lovely artwork from Conor Boyle.  Definitely one for a read through when the series ends.  Wouldn't be out of place in 2000AD.

'The Cell' part 2 by Bambos Georgiou (The Real Ghostbusters, ACES weekly) and Andrew Sawyers. Andrew, like Neil Sims, has been a real breakthrough star of The77 his art here has amazing energy and use of colour. The story from Bambos gives us a look at a very violent,  dystopian future. It's probably my age but I will have to go back and read issue 2 as I'm a bit lost as to what's going on in the story.

'Trackless Depths' part 1/3 Strange things are stirring in the water around a Victorian Clipper. Created by Dave Bedford (Trompe la Morte ) and Ben Macleod (2000AD).  This story has so many elements I love.  Some very nice greyscale artwork which only adds to Dave Bedfords excellent atmospheric script, I just wanted the story to continue! Look out for a great cameo appearance from a certain shark fisherman too.

'Matilda Atkins and the Amulet Of Destiny' created by Michael Powell (The Last Man The77 #1) and Sarah 'Milmo' Millman (Speed Demons - Rebellion's Tammy & Jinty) This is a nice one and done story that I wouldn't say is aimed at me.  But it would be a perfect story for younger comic lovers or anyone who feels out of place in the world. I know Sarah Millmans work from her indie comic series NPC Tea, her clean lined style and great use of colour is perfect for this tale. 

'Division '77' part 3 - Created by Dave Heeley and Sinclair Elliott the future war fan favourite story continues. Could there be mutiny in the ranks? Some nice story building without losing the action we love.  This is followed with a Division 77 pin-up page from Andrew Sawyers.

'SGT Shouty of the Moon Force!' In space everyone can hear him shout'! Created by Lew Stringer (BEANO, Combat Colin, Brickman, Oink!)  Well this is always a one page delight that always takes me right back to my days of reading the Beano. We get some background on the Sarge and his nemesis here, I enjoyed Lews artists impression of a previous event in the story. 

'Forgotten Reality' Created by Anna Everts and Phil Elliott a one off story that in other, lesser, anthology comics might be called a future shock, so no spoilers here.

'Undertow' Created by Joe and Jeremy Dunn.  In my review of episode one of this story I said that I was left underwhelmed.  I was promised that episode two would alter my opinion and yes the guys have followed through on their promise. I really enjoyed part two as our hero heads off on a quest that leaves us with trouble brewing.

'Gut Crawlers' part 2 Essential workers doing the Galaxy's dirtiest job. Created by Dan Whitehead and Paul Williams. Illustrations for part 2 have been taken over by Filippo Roncone and a cracking job he does too.  This conclusion to the story gives us a little more insight into the newest crew member and how she came to be working with the gut crawlers, leaving it open for development. 

'Martian Law' Created by Brendan Wright.  I really wasn't a fan of episode one of this story but I have to admit it's growing on me now.  Brendan's art is colourful and full of energy bringing life to the crazy Martian world he has created.

'Skate Worm' in 'The Frack off !' by Conan. Art by Morgan Gleave.  Another outing for the rebellious worm with attitude as he saves his skate park from destruction.  For me the line work on Morgans artwork came across as a little heavy and lost some definition on the characters. Possibly something to do with reproduction?

'Penny Pentagram' part 3 London's grooviest Paranormal detective by David Thomas (WP Comics, Night Hunters, Avatara) and Jon Roydon (The Lost Graveyard). I'm really trying to like this Buffy-esque character but sadly the story just doesn't do anything for me. But that's an anthology comic for you, not everything is going to hit home for everyone.

This issues Standouts, for me, were Trackless Depths and The Screaming Hand I was really pleased that the Undertow guys lived up to their promise of more to come too.

If this is your first dip into the world of The77 and you enjoyed it I'd definitely recommend grabbing the first two issues while you can.