Hell on Earth has come and the B.P.R.D.’s only clue as to how to stop it is Abe Sapien, who is currently on the run from an agency that no longer shadows his trail. “Abe Sapien” #5, The New Race of Man Part 2, doesn’t shed too much light on Abe’s current condition, but it is crafted in a way that makes it an interesting and thrilling read. I can never stop giving praise to the creative team behind this book, both writing and art are a treat to witness, making each issue special in its own way.

WRITTEN BY: Mike Mignola and John Arcudi
ART BY: Max Fiumara
PUBLISHER: Dark Horse Comics
RELEASE DATE: August 7
PRICE: $3.50

Abe is a man, er… Amphibiman, on mission which is to figure out what the hell in dodge is going on. His current situation is a lot less hairy than previous encounters he’s had since waking from his coma but this doesn’t mean it’s any less impactful. In the midst of a group of monster worshipers Abe finds himself as their idol and is forced to help when one of group turns up dead. This leads to a series of conversations and altercations which eventually lead to Abe making an executive decision over the situation. On the flip side we learn more about the motives of the individuals behind a certain B.P.R.D. agent’s resurrection.

This issue is interesting in terms of the greater plot within the Hell on Earth event. Though this story is small peanuts in the grand scheme of things there are certain clues and hints dropped throughout t book. The book itself is not overly exciting though there is a little monster action, none that compares to the previous story arc where Abe took on a big crowd of uglies. The intrigue within this book is much more subtle than that which can be infuriating or enlightening depending on how you flip the coin or wake up in the morning. One thing for certain is that Abe Sapien is playing a big part in future events and that Mike Mignola and John Arcudi are the two people best fit for the telling of the tale.

Max Fiumara’s illustrations are spot on for this book. Since there isn’t a lot of action it’s a treat to see how much detail can be put into each panel that only contains dialogue. So much of this book depends on atmosphere and mood which Fiumara creates with his art. Of course there is the ever talented Dave Stewart as colourist, never does he cease to amaze me in capturing the perfect colour pallet for any given panel or page. Without these guys on board, this book would not be what it is.

It’s a sad fact but Abe Sapien won’t be back in his own ongoing until October, I don’t know if this means that he will make appearances in other book along the way, but I am certain that we will miss this book in the meantime.

3.5/5 Skulls

Reviewed by – GreenBasterd