Firefly #8: Never Judge a Book By His Cover

Characters & Writing: Usually within the world of the Serenity crew there is one mission statement and the gang get split into maybe two teams, with a couple of separate yet interlinked goals in a simple plot with inevitable complications. But this time there are several things going on, with so many cases of mistaken identity, changing priorities and allegiances it could become dizzying. And I didn’t think even Greg Pak could keep so many plates spinning. How wrong I was. Even though there was SOOOO much happening it wasn’t difficult to keep track of events and who is doing what. The main thrust of the drama is of course what is happening with Mal and his enemy turned friend, which is as hilarious as it is chaotic. And the payoff at the end of their shared status as wanted criminals could have implications in the future for Inara as a competitor for his affections.
And we also get The Mal and Moon show, as she has to deal with a humorous call to …her mother?… and hilarious misunderstanding hilarity ensues. Set as it was right before the chaos and drama of their arrest, it lent an air of absurd humour as she has to explain their relationship in a true pushy parent pastiche. No matter how seemingly misplaced it was it touchingly managed to fit in. And more Whedon style fun was to be seen during the prison break. I love how River is her splendid self, bananas and gleeful even in the midst of all the chaos. And once more we get refrains of the Ballad of Jayne Cobb and hints of Canton, as the Browncoats mistake him for their hero.
Fractured as they are the crew of the Serenity are still on plan and working to get each other back in their rightful place by each others side, one way or another. As usual the whole band of miscreants bite off far more than they can chew and as usual they all go hell for leather anyhow. And it couldn’t be a more true to form set up. The characterisation of each and every one is spot on. And although Inara and Wash as the paramours of our illustrious leaders are a little underplayed here, what we see of them is perfect nonetheless. Inara is as nonchalant as ever of the unfolding drama and making her usual observations about their illustrious leader. And Wash is suitably outgunned, but still fiercely protective of his woman. Even though we all know she will probably end up being the one to rescue him later. And the added treat of seeing Book get in on the action, showing his mean side. And I do so love seeing the glimpses of whatever it is he used to be before joining the gang.
Art: And the artistic team are as much on target as the stars of the story, ensuring the visuals were perfect for the ongoing drama and matched the sparkling and witty writing style. The pencils of Dan McDaid are as suitable for the ongoing saga as you could wish for, lending the still moments some depth as well as the full on action scenes, and Vincenzo Federici’s inks add the right texture needed in making these pop visually. Topped off with the colours of Marcelo Costa, which also gives the perfect realistic flavour to the world our crew are living in and lend it that gritty earthy air, with panels that followed the thread of the action fully and gave it a natural flow. As well as giving the full on action sequences some kinetic energy, they relay the full impact of the drama perfectly and focus perfectly on the resolved faces of Book and Wash, giving them truly believable emotion. Not to mention as the action switches to tense drama in the standoff after the dust settles and the arrest of Mal and Boss Moon.
Covers: With so many covers to choose from a Whedonverse fan is truly spoilt for choice. This issue features four stunning covers. The main cover by Lee Garbett (Skyward), along with variant cover by David Nakayama (Black Cat), pre-order variant by Joe Quinones (Dial H For Hero) and unlocked retailer variant cover by Juan Doe (Descendent). With four covers in all I have to say my favourite is the Nakayama. A big fan of his Big Hero 6 variant cover many years ago I have a soft spot for this style and the pose struck by Mal is full on attitude and shows his personality to perfection. This doesn’t detract from either Joe Quinones and his painstaking perspective shot of Simon, or Juan Doe and the perfectly surreal and majestic image of Zoe. But I just felt this was the more evocative of the characters in question.