Mister X: Eviction has been a fun ride through the dark streets of Radiant City, a city which is part Metropolis, part Blade Runner. How does the conclusion live up to the rest of the series? Read on to find out.

Here’s the official description from Dark Horse:

Dean Motter’s reintroduction of his classic character comes to a dynamic conclusion, as Mister X’s mission to cure Radiant City’s madness approaches its deadly end! The new city government, under the control of a devious cabal, seeks to envelop the entire world in a disastrous new conflict.

* Features an additional standalone tale from Radiant City!

 

If you read my previous two reviews, you already know I’m a big fan of Dean Motter’s Mister X. It’s great dystopian science fiction with a German expressionist vibe, and an art style slightly reminiscent of Batman: the Animated Series. Although I loved the first two issues, I felt the conclusion was rushed and the pacing was slightly off. I think another issue was needed to flesh out the ending.

In this issue, Mister X and his reporter friends attempt to rescue Mercedes from Purgatorium, a Central Agency matinee theatre for silver screen royalty that was converted into a jailhouse. Standing in their way is the Central operative, the Man with No Name. The ending is somewhat predictable, until the final few pages, which bring back into the story a key element of a previous issue, which I don’t want to spoil here. I really enjoyed Motter’s parody of Little Nemo: Adventures in Slumberland, which brackets the two parts of the story.

As always, Motter’s art brings Radiant City to life. I wish I could visit this city for the art deco architecture alone (obviously not for the mind manipulation).  I really noticed the variation of color, glowing like neon signs, throughout the issue. There’s also a cartoonish sense of playfulness to Motter’s art which lightens the overall feel of his work.

If you’re a fan of pulp magazines, science fiction, and film noir, than this is the series for you. Sci-fi noir has rarely looked this cool. Even with the somewhat lackluster ending, Mister X: Eviction is highly recommended.

4/5