One of the strongest elements in Blackacre thus far has been its political subtext. Invariably, the series would come to a point where its story would have to take precedence for a certain period of time, and temporarily set aside this distinguishing feature. That time has, at least, begun in issue 3… and it barely hurts the series at all. With the themes and settings prepared in the first two issues, this latest issue of “Blackacre” simply continues the excellent story and character development while managing to introduce new elements of intrigue for the future.

WRITTEN BY: Duffy Boudreau
ART BY: Wendell Cavalcanti
PUBLISHER: Image Comics
PRICE: $2.99
RELEASE: February 6th, 2013

It was a testament to Duffy Boudreau’s writing that he was able to incorporate the degree of political commentary that he did while establishing the world and the characters of the story, as well as the plot itself. It’s a separate testament to the fact that those characters, that world and this story are so good that once the series’ philosophical impetus was removed, it was prepared to stand on its own.

Hull, having survived the blast that was intended to kill him and Greene – his former comrade and the man he is searching for – is rescued from the religious zealots who patrol the lands beyond Blackacre by Bird and his team. Bird is another of Sinclair’s men, and Hull is considerably weary of this fact. Even though he was duped by Sinclair, Hull’s beginning to come around to the fact that he can’t trust anyone, even if it’s temporarily convenient for him.

The political machinations of Blackacre, even if they seem to oppose our current antagonist, don’t serve to assuage any fears. It seems as if all actions, even if they are incidentally beneficial to many, are designed to serve the few. Much like Hull, the reader quickly grows suspicious and cynical; no action is interpreted as “good”; it’s just another play for power by a different man with ultimately the same intentions (hmmm… perhaps I overstated the lack of political commentary here).

Wendell Cavalcanti picks up where he left off, with excellent characters and scenery. It’s an odd compliment, but he draws injuries quite well. The scars and bruises on Hull and other characters have an impact, and aren’t there just to look badass. Cavalcanti’s artwork, along with the dialogue, go a long way in defining three new characters in particular; Bird, Kett and Rilus. This is significant, because there’s only so much space to be used in this issue.

“Blackacre” #3 is not without its flaws, but those are mostly to be expected. It’s too early in the series for anything of gravity to truly occur, so this issue can only reach so high. But to the extent that it can, it succeeds.

4/5 Skulls

Reviewed by – GeorgeShunick