Wheeler’s evening out. His ambition here is constrained–some kind of monster in a different wavelength of reality is the patron to a serial killer. It likes to hear jazz while people get murdered. Alec comes across some victims and investigates. There are some other plot contrivances–Abby in danger, Chester and Liz pop in–but the main story is good.
Abby’s dialogue isn’t even bad. It’s a little too expository (Wheeler uses her to remind the reader of past events), but it isn’t bad.
Of course, the whole thing succeeds because Kelley Jones is filling on the art. His style works perfectly for Swamp Thing. He goes with the less mossy version for Alec’s body, more like Wrightson, but uses the fluid plant visuals too. And the monster is just hideously wonderful.
It’s the best issue since Wheeler took over. Too bad Jones is so integral to its success.
CREDITS
The Mysterious Axman’s Jazz; writer, Doug Wheeler; artist, Kelley Jones; colorist, Tatjana Wood; letterer, John Costanza; editor, Karen Berger; publisher, DC Comics.
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