The Strange Talent of Luther Strode #5 – Review
Written by: Justin Jordan
Art by: Tradd Moore
Colours by: Felipe Sobreiro
Letters by: Fonografiks
Cover by: Tradd Moore
Published by: Image
Cover Price: $2.99 (USD)
I’m not really sure what to say about this comic, apart from that it is definitely not for children. This penultimate chapter of The Strange Talent of Luther Strode is one of the most violent comics that I have ever read, even challenging Kick-Ass for the blood and body count.
This issue returns to the scene that began the first, though the sight of a man thrown through the ceiling isn’t quite as amusing anymore as it seems that Luther is losing his humanity as much as the villains that he is trying to stop from hurting his loved ones.
The Librarian is after Luther but he is also after his friends and family and that means that there are people to save, but no way of protecting them simultaneously. This leads to everyone being in danger and a bloody sacrifice for one of the main supporting characters.
Tradd Moore never shies away from depicting the violence and now that the series is far more serious than humorous, the art feels different, slightly darker and grittier. Luther is drawn even larger and more menacing and the violence that has been prevalent throughout the series is now more brutal than ever.
As The Strange Talent of Luther Strode heads towards its conclusion, it is impossible to see how it can end well for our supposed hero and his family. If you can handle all the blood and violence, then this comic has quite a lot to offer.
7/10
The Strange Talent of Luther Strode #6 – Review
Written by: Justin Jordan
Art by: Tradd Moore
Colours by: Felipe Sobreiro
Letters by: Fonografiks
Cover by: Tradd Moore
Published by: Image
Cover Price: $2.99 (USD)
I knew things couldn’t end well for Luther and his family and unfortunately I was right. What started as a simple teenager gets super powers and has fun story, has ended as a full blown tragedy and I think this series is better for it.
For a while now everything has been leading up to the final confrontation between Luther and The Librarian and despite the build-up and expectation, the end battle does not disappoint. Moore uses a number of double page spreads to show the scope and importance of this battle and Jordan makes sure there are genuine shocks in the script.
During the fight between Luther and The Librarian I actually gasped aloud, I can’t spoil what happens, but I’m sure readers will be affected by this conclusion.
Overall, this series has been great. There were moments when I doubted this comic, but in the end it has finished very strongly. The trade paperback is out this week and I recommend that people check it out. In The Strange Talent of Luther Strode Justin Jordan and Tradd Moore have created a set of characters that you will care about, so when you read this final issue, be prepared for the tragedy.
8/10
