“Shutter” #7 is an invigorating return after a shaky hiatus. The book has been on a break since September and it was definitely needed, it was a hot mess last time we saw it. Although I’m not entirely sure it’s any less convoluted – it feels fresher, less grating, it feels fun again. So much fun that I’d definitely start recommending it again, although I get the feeling it’ll read much better in trades.
WRITTEN BY: Joe Keatinge
ART BY: Leila De Duca
PUBLISHER: Image
PRICE: $3.50
RELEASE: December 10, 2014
Reviewed By Torin Chambers
For a nice change of pace the opening two scenes are interspersed within each other. Starting with Ms. Vian (Kate’s blonde friend who got blown up back in issue #3) dealing with the fallout of Kate’s sudden disappearance back in the city. This gradually gives away to Kate and Chris fighting that massive dragon creature from the end of issue #6.
It’s nice to see the call back, if only to know that the characters Kate leaves behind aren’t totally forgotten. “Shutter” could have never touched on it again and I wouldn’t have been surprised, so it’s great to see some more cohesion in terms of story.
Now I’d like to take a moment to talk about the ending, this will all be spoilers, you’ve been warned.
It’s is a real gut puncher of an ending, Kate gets stabbed in the stomach by her very own sister. My initial reaction was shock. It’s one hell of a page turn and hits you hard without warning. At first it seems solid but then the more you think about it the less shocking it is and the more eye rolling it becomes.
Ekland and Shaw were both shown to be pretty much decimated last issue but here they are, eviscerated, beaten for sure, but still alive. To add insult to injury, in this very issue Alarm-Cat is seemingly killed, only to turn out to be alive. With this many deaths all turning out to be false in one issue ending it on another is weak. Even with Kate’s plot armor aside, the “shock” ending becomes utterly hollow.
Besides the weak ending “Shutter” is back in beautiful form this month. The story has never felt more cohesive while still maintaining the fun factor. I only noticed one ‘just because’ moment in the story telling (The explosive flaming dragon laser somehow teleports them inside the creature) which honestly doesn’t bother me too much. There are laughs, exciting characters and gorgeous art – what more do you really need?
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Torin Chambers is a rad dude from the nineties who does film stuff or something. Thomas the Tank Engine is his favorite transformer. Find him on Twitter @TorinsChambers
