24: Underground #3 Review

Is this really a day that’s worth buying into? Read on to find out.

The official description from IDW:

Now that you’ve seen Jack Bauer’s return to television in LIVE ANOTHER DAY, read the story that sent the heroic agent spiraling into his darkest days as an international fugitive. Ed Brisson and Michael Gaydos wind the clock on the latest chapter of the high-octane saga!

It’s time to have a frank talk 24 fans. I, like many of you, hated the fact that season eight brought this to a close. The whole of it was downright disappointing. Cut to now and I’ve found that this latest iteration is a marked improvement, even so there are issues to contend with. But that doesn’t mean it’s any less enjoyable for people like us!

Ed Brisson pens the script and he knows how to write our former CTU agent without sacrificing his own spin. Like the TV series it sequels each release builds on the next as the scribe charts a simple course that feels like we’re going somewhere. And that right there is a feat as Jack Bauer retreads some rather familiar territory but remains largely compelling even as an aged icon. The dialogue is what sells the entire affair, as the author lends some corn and competency to allow this material to stick as a relevant narrative piece even in our modern age.

When transitioning any kinetic property to still images there’s always a long list of notable challenges. Thankfully we have Michael Gaydos who’s more than up to the task as he offers smart, detailed and consistent renditions that allow this addition to be a believable extension of the world we know. First and foremost he nails the look of Kiefer Sutherland, which believe me, is absolutely key to the acceptance of this thrill ride. Add in the colors done by Josh Burcham and I have no doubt that even the most discerning will find worth within this display.

24: Underground #3 is exactly what it claims to be and that’s not a bad thing. This day in the Ukraine easily earns a recommendation from me.