Put a band of brothers in a literary collection of insanity - and reflect on the group's history - two books, now. The 'classic' Archer & Armstrong 8 - which I think was a little over-rated - and THIS gem. I know that I didn't like it as much as the FIRST Archer & Armstrong 0. That one can't be touched by many comics at all. It had the perfect balance of real seriousness, lunacy, intense story, and laugh out loud humor. This one has most of those parts, but the humor may be too subtle, and the story too hard. Really? He dies? Of course we ALREADY know that isn't happening, but we know now that the Boon has a crazy power. Not certain where that may be going in the future. I liked the dinosaur conflicts. Nice to see the 'Lost Land' coming back even if it isn't or hasn't really. Not certain where why or how A & A will come into that - but it's nice to see this kind of a change. After all, VEI hasn't messed the thing up so far. This comic, I would have to call a 'misstep' of sorts. After so much expectation, and so many of the books really hitting with both feet on the zero issues, this one leaves too much un-said, and lingering
A blast through the past.
A pretty great comic. Real changes in the annual - at least in the character and stature of Ken Connell. From mega jerk - he becomes, well, mega jerk with an extensive history. To compare him to SOLAR, he has more of a conscience, and less ability to correct. To not go back and review the entire comic - he meets an old friend, and has the hots for his girl. Does this man realize that NOT getting into a relationship with every female he meets IS an option? But the contrived nature of the comic doesn't overreach past the story. Jealousy ensues - and Ken needs to show off for the woman. His friend then feels the need to attack - and Ken KILLS them all! Did NOT see that coming - nor the callousness he showed after murdering them. I even kind of had a feeling that he was going to keep pursuing her for a while. Eventually we realize that his friend isn't dead - and Ken leaves. Then finds out his love is murdered by men in pursuit. Ken's guilt keeps weighing on himself - and he seems lost by the end of the book. Great annual.