The new series from Image continues to pick up speed, but is it running off the rails?

Here is the summary from Image:

“Swing Low.”

The issue focuses less on Fillmore Press (AKA the maniacal Madder Red) but instead focuses on his relationship with the mysterious doctor that “cured” him. A couple of other thing happen, we get more insight on how Fillmore became who he is, and the birth of another mysterious killer that has appeared in the city. The story itself isn’t exciting, but for a book like this it doesn’t need to be, instead focusing on character, mystery, and human behavior.

Nick Spencer once again crafts a good script, which is filled with good character interactions and a few bits of disturbing dialogue. A bit text heavy, but nothing really overwhelming. One of the standout moments in the book is the dialogue between Press and the doctor. The doctor himself has a creepy and slightly menacing atmosphere about him (especially in the flashbacks in the issue) and you can feel some of the fear that Press has when addressing him. This adds a bit of character development to Fillmore as we learn more and more about his transition in subtle pieces.

Riley Rossmo’s artwork continues to do wonders for this book. Again adding to the overall darkness of the story while not overshadowing the script work. The environments are eerie, and the characters themselves are still detailed very well. Rossmo’s pencils also giving the book a surreal feel as well when we see Fillmore’s flashbacks with the doctor. The colors are also another good quality of the comic. The dark grays, blacks, & reds still coloring the dreary mood of the story.

While the synopsis doesn’t say much, Bedlam continues to be a good series, this issue being a bit more focused than the first. Giving insight some insight into the Doctor, who appears to be another important element in the story. Recommended.

4/5