Did it take me three minutes to read that issue? I’m not sure.

There’s nothing worse than a boring all-action issue. I suppose we get to hear about the big secret behind Stumptown’s mystery, but it’s pretty boring. Rucka has no talent for making the mundane seem intriguing.

Mostly what he gives the reader this issue is a couple women accusing the other of being gay.

After Batwoman (and Montoya in Gotham Central and Carrie in Whiteout), Rucka really needs a new schtick. Or maybe he could create some maybe lesbian comic book character who isn’t hot.

Umm. What else.

The art. Something’s definitely wrong with the art this issue. They’ve changed colorists and while the new guy isn’t as good as Lee Loughridge, he’s not bad. Southworth’s getting rushed here. Instead of looking deliberately hurried, he’s looking lazy.

Still, I’m generally okay with the book. It’s just unimaginative.

CREDITS

The Case of the Girl Who Took Her Shampoo but Left Her Mini, Part Three; writer, Greg Rucka; artist, Matthew Southworth; colorist, Rico Renzi; editor, James Lucas Jones; publisher, Oni Press.

I’m mildly tempted to use this space to discuss innovative private investigator storytelling, specifically The Big Lebowski and “Eyes.” If you hadn’t guessed, Stumptown–as a detective story–has failed to make an impression.

Right now, with Stumptown, I’m concerned with two things. First, is Dex gay? Second, does she know the guy her brother works with–I can’t remember the guy’s name but the brother’s name is Ansel–likes her? I only have the first question because of the second.

Rucka’s also implying a lot of backstory from the scenes. The police captain doesn’t care about Dex being shot because she is a private investigator and broke up his marriage.

Rucka’s universe for Stumptown requires a lot of people not to do their jobs. The handling of Dex’s shooting, for example, is ludicrous. I’m pretty sure “Barney Miller” handled such things more believably.

But it’s a fine enough read.

CREDITS

The Case of the Girl Who Took Her Shampoo but Left Her Mini, Part Two; writer, Greg Rucka; artist, Matthew Southworth; colorist, Lee Loughridge; editor, James Lucas Jones; publisher, Oni Press.

Hmm.

It reads well. Stumptown definitely reads well.

Rucka doesn’t go cheap on content either, it’s a solid length read for a modern comic book. He introduces a lot of characters, some backstory… he gets a lot done here.

I like this Matthew Southworth art too. They’re clearly going for a gritty, realistic feel and Southworth brings it. Deliberate but impulsive. They do the same thing with the lettering too. The stray lines make the art (and word balloons) pop.

My lack of enthusiasm, however, stems from having seen and read all this stuff before. It’s a female private investigator with a gambling problem who takes care of her younger, but still adult brother who has Downs; she also might be a lesbian.

Boiled down, she’s a world-weary PI with money troubles. I’m pretty sure Sam Spade was a world-weary PI with money troubles.

The adornments don’t make her different.

CREDITS

The Case of the Girl Who Took Her Shampoo but Left Her Mini, Part One; writer, Greg Rucka; artist, Matthew Southworth; colorist, Lee Loughridge; editor, James Lucas Jones; publisher, Oni Press.