Grimjack: Killer Instinct #4
Writer: John Ostrander; Pencils and Inks: Timothy Truman
Killer Ninja Mimes with transdimensional torsos, bling-bling trash-talking Skelter Bats, and vampires all in one issue. Grimjack is perhaps the most imaginative book on the comic book shelves right now. Ostrander and Truman’s impressive creativity make this book a must-read despite its other flaws.
While it’s certainly filled with outlandish characters, some of the storytelling is weak. In issue 4 we spend time in a pointless bickering session which ends in John owning a bar. Although it will likely surface as part of the later story, it seemed tacked-on and mostly pointless. The story also has as 90’s feel from the large amount of exposition. Ostrander needs to allow the art to tell more of the story and avoid that nasty Claremont-X-men feel.
Despite the writing flaws, it is still a recommended read due to the imaginative characters and better-than-average story. Give it a try if it isn’t already on your reading list, as it is IDW’s single truly creative book.