EVERYONE IS A SUSPECT. NO ONE IS INNOCENT! That last line really applies here. As Mind the Gap enters its fifth outing, I begin to wonder how long can this mystery go without losing its steam? Issue One was a fantastic start, but the following two issues turned the series into a Days of Our Lives soap opera. It picked up last issue with some interesting new developments. The latest installment was eagerly awaited. But does it buy time or continue the story? You’re going to be surprised with some interesting new things and a MAJOR plot development, this is one of the ‘key’ issues in this mystery.

Here’s the official description from Image:

An arrest made! A secret past revealed! Life-altering events set in motion! And a HOLY $%!! last page that will leave you breathless as the first arc ends and the stage set for the next chapter.

For this mind bending, jaw dropping tale, series artist RODIN ESQUEJO is joined by very special guests – the Runaways art team, including a cover from JO CHEN! (Admit it, your jaw just dropped a little more, right?) The red-hot new series reaches scorching temperatures as it continues to sell out. You DO NOT want to miss this issue!

It’s interesting that this whole event is taking place around Elle’s coma, yet she herself doesn’t do much in this issue. It’s the events happening because of her coma that’s coming to play here. In the last issue we see Dane getting accused by his father, who appears on the last page. This makes for an interesting thing when someone is falsely (or is it falsely?) accused. The plot point taking up the majority of this issue is the flashback with Dane. In it we learn specific details on his father, his mother, and his relationship with Elle. Fascinating stuff. Writer Jim McCann’s dialogue is strong, especially with ‘Hoodie’ and his boss. (Remember that MAJOR plot development?)

The art has some really intense facial expressions. It’s pretty good, the only thing I thought was off was in the bedroom scene, Elle looked way too thin and her hand looked weird. The faceless mom was pretty creepy. The main cover is pretty good, you don’t think too much of it until you read the actual comic…the painted second cover is pretty dramatic.

Overall, this is the most important issue since #1. That is mainly thanks to the MAJOR plot development. The flashback with Dane was interesting and keeps you engaged for throughout the story. By the ending, you’re left wanting the next issue. Just remember…NO ONE IS INNOCENT.

4/5