Black Science #13 Review

Will Grant McKay and company ever get back to their own universe? Read on to find out.

The official description from Image:

The Dimensionauts take on a new mission: leave every world they visit better than when they found it. But their mettle is put to the test in a plague-ridden society that wants to burn them all at the stake.

Black Science rolls into it’s thirteenth chapter, and with the recent return of Grant McKay (assuming this is the original), the insertion of an alternative version of Sara, as well as the impending doom that comes from the soldiers chasing them, things have certainly heated up heading into this issue. This however is only the tip of the iceberg, as following the dramatic twists, and shocking developments, things are about to get a lot tougher for the Anarchist League of Scientists.

Though there have been moments when I’ve questioned where this series is heading, the general atmosphere within Rick Remender‘s scripts keep me returning for more. This remains true in this issue, as though the lack of direction is rather frustrating, the character depth, and dramatic tempo more than make up. Remember also grabs this readers attention with his choice in dialogue, as though there are parts of Pia’s conversation with her alternative mother that doesn’t feel believable, the general tone and symbolism gives great depth to the two characters. This on the other hand is nothing compared to the climactic developments of this issue, with the soldiers showing that they’re not taking prisoners. Literally.

The main thing that keeps me returning month in, month out, is the artwork of Matteo Scalera, with his rough, yet immersive style never failing to impress. This as ever is the case here, with the rustic scenery, and dramatic layouts more than catching the eye. Despite this, it’s the character emotion that really allows Scalera’s art to shine, as though his edgy pencils can result in the odd jarring expression, the majority of his work gives a beautiful sense of depth. The colours of Moreno Dinisio also manages to add texture, with the similarities to former colourist, Michael Spicer, resulting in great continuity.

Black Science continues to be a worthy addition to anyone’s pull, as though there are a lot of better comics on the stands, there’s also a lot worse.