After spending time setting the table, writer Matthew Klein is getting ready to pull the tables from underneath, This issue seemingly is all about Rose, and for large parts it is. But even more impressive is, that among all the Rose action, lies a totally different cause and effect in play; I don’t mean the drugs.
On the eve of the Powered Registration Act Rose, as Lando Calrissian before her, has discovered that deals with devil come with alterations and complications. Through a confrontation at her house house, the term “crashing” comes to the fore affecting everything she holds dear, with nary a consideration for her vows. But then why would her hippocratic oath be important after all the lies she has told since before Don?
What started, for me at least, as a treatise about addiction has some how devolved slightly. In Rose, Mathew Klein has created a character that if there is a good outcome or a bad outcome, the scarred head will always seem the land up. True, the path of addiction is a lonely, often depressive one, where the personal failings are equal if not more so impactful of the expectation of loved ones. With addiction comes a sense of loss, be it the lack of love or some event that cause the addict to seek out to fill that gap with whatever is the method of choice. Is Klein looking to set up Rose’s personal “gap”, the thing that caused the addiction in the first place, here? I am not sure. I get the impression that Rose was an addict prior to Don, so her reasons for popping pills is still uncertain. What Klein does recognise in Rose is her heart. As a doctor she cares, but as a person she is always trying to fix people, relationships. There is a sense of desperation about Rose’s actions and thought processes; Klein has certainly given her a full plate to del with.
Morgan Beem’s cartoon-esque art seems to have hit the wall slightly here. Whilst the odd faces, body postures deliver a unique style, I think that with so many characters in play, per panel in this issue means that the art can look clumsy, cluttered and confusing; I didn’t recognise a character who appears later in the book. With that said, the idea behind the book is of Rose crashing, in a variety of ways. Beem’s style matches that idea well, adding to the despair, disappointment and loss of control that drives Rose. I absolutely love the off-normal color schemes of Triona Farrell who mixes in heavy colors for present day, whilst dripping hues of blue for the days of Rose’s and Don’s past. It’s very effective. Hassan Otsmane-Elhauo, who gets a cover credit, provides a couple of fonts, visually differentiating between monologue and dialogue. There are a few covers to choose from; buyers choice prevails.
This third issue is a tough read; not for any drop in the writing. There is a lot of darkness on show, be it the darkness of secrets, the weight of responsibility or the pressure of living several lies; it all comes to ahead here. Klein sprinkles in a couple of possible future elements which may have an impact, Time will tell. As it is, I am still intrigued as to where Rose will crash land.
Writing – 5 Stars
Art – 3.5 Stars
Colors – 5 Stars
Overall – 4 Stars
Written by; Matthew Klein
Art by; Morgan Beem
Colors by; Triona Farrell
Letters by; Hassan Otsmane-Elhauo
Published by; IDW Publishing