American Carnage #8: A Slower Burn

American Carnage #7 left me extremely excited for #8. The action the closing panels of #7 promised were quickly wrapped up in a couple panels at the start of the issue. I knew American Carnage was going to be a slow burn but right now I can’t even see it burning. I thought maybe the rest the issue would pack a punch after the opening pages but it did not. The writing is always interesting, but I always feel a little let down once I am done reading. This may because I am excited to see what happens, but the journey there is leaving me fatigued. Issue #7 and #8 could easily have been condensed into one issue.

The last few issues the highlight for me has been the covers. Ben Oliver has been consistently on point with beautiful covers that completely catch the eye and theme of the issue. Another highlight of American Carnage has always been the art: dark, minimal, and beautiful color palettes. Issue #8’s art seemed consistence enough, but at times felt a little sloppy. Normally I can easily look passed things like this, but this time around it was distracting from the writing. One definite example of this is of Agent Curry’s partner when they are discussing Rick. Nevertheless, I love the way Dean White’s colors compliment Leandro Fernandez’s art.