A Gem of an Issue.
This issue is pure American Gothic Romance. Skinner Sweet is mostly devoid of humanity and romance but this issue brings out these qualities without damaging the character. This issue is a stand alone character piece, however it does much for the series than I'd ever expect.
The plot is simple, Skinner Sweet stops by a Wild West Show about himself, featuring many former outlaws. It's a grotesque and morbid glorification of the dead and Skinner revels in it. Only, he finds out his most consistent lover, Kitty Banks turned him in to Book. In what inevitably becomes a blood bath of revenge, we also get a tragically romantic take on the life of Skinner Sweet. Time is luck and Sweet seems like he's the last one to know it.
Scott Snyder's character of Kitty Banks is a real scene stealer. She's just slick as Skinner, but beneath her drippy and crestfallen demeanor lies a seductive and darker soul. Skinner finally confronts her, she had just taken drugs and is alone, completely vulnerable to Skinner's wrath. This character really pours her heart out and her vulnerability is what delays Skinner. It's so strange to see this docile husk of a woman surprise Skinner and pulls the rug from underneath him. Like Orson Welles and Marlene Dietrich's romance in Touch of Evil, this scene was painfully tragic. Much is said and to ld through so little and time. Snyder really shows how cruel time can be.
While I did miss the usual art chores, Danijel Zezelj does a great job at expressing the almost surreal nature of this issue. One of the final panels I love is when we pull out of the show's fire. The imagery of that still sticks with me.
This issue, like many deals with the American ideal. Skinner flying in a biplane really symbolizes the progress and attitude about the American frontier. This issue, like America, is about letting go of the past and looking forward to the future, though uncertain, it's an adventure.
