As the third arc continues for Fabian Gray in Five Ghosts #14 so does the great art and lean, exciting storytelling. The search for Sebastian continues but it becomes evident what he's been up to but not completely. Fabian faces his greatest challenge thus far in an issue that rises to a crescendo of horror.
Part of what makes this series so great is that it's totally accessible to new readers while not alienating steady followers. A brief recap and then Frank J. Barbiere smartly and efficiently moves the story along with just enough details to get things going then allowing Chris Mooneyham to take over and shine. In basketball terms, Barbiere is the point guard distributing the ball to his big playmaker so he can lay down a thunderous dunk. And making big plays is what Mooneyham does best even outdoing himself at the end.
Mooneyham's thick lines and scratchy strokes enhances the retro feel and adds a dramatic touch to the more horrific panels. And there are plenty of those especially near the end. Lauren Affe's colors give the book a nostalgic pulp atmosphere that compliments the close-ups especially.
Barbiere sets up the escalation of action in broad ways that require large panels as the story revs up to the last page. He unleashes Mooneyham like a rabid animal attacking each scene with a precision frenzy capturing the trouble Fabian is in with frenetic terror. Here, writer and artist conduct a symphony of madness and dread that captivates the reader.
Five Ghosts is a wild adventure that is executed to perfection.
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