Pine & Merrimac #3 is written by Kyle Starks and published by BOOM! Studios. Illustration is by Fran Galán and letters by Pat Brosseau. Main cover art (left) is also by Galán.
Pine & Merrimac #3 is available from today, in print and on digital platforms where all good comic books are sold. Grab your digital copy from Amazon Comixology UK right here.
Synopsis
Small town detectives Linnea and Parker have discovered something big and sinister, and they’re on the run… for their lives!
Unable to return home and without a safe corner to hide in, an unexpected figure offers a symbol of hope that may lead them somewhere…
Review
As we return to the world of Pine & Merrimac for book three we pick up with Linnea in a key moment from her past. Writer Kyle Starks has been cautious to spend too much timing filling in the past, so far only offering sporadic details on what has led Linnea and her partner Parker to where we find them today. But with huge developments taking place in the present day, Starks has decided now is the time to show us what led to their decision to move to Jamesport.
On face value, the flashback could just be interpreted as another piece in the puzzle. A way to show the reader how Linnea’s past struggles led her to opening her own agency. But actually it’s another example of how Starks is crafting a beautiful partnership between these two characters. Right back to issue #1 it was clear this book would prioritise character equally to story. That core dynamic has what has resonated to strongly through each issue and continues to do so as they find themselves in mortal danger… again.
In the present day the pair are back on the mainland and in the middle of a cute couples squabble about the effectiveness of a stakeout. After their visit to the remote island, the pieces are beginning to slot together and it’s adding up to something a lot more sinister than I had anticipated. Starks ability to play with tone is really quite remarkable. To go from tender moments between leads, to full on Satanic sex cult without jarring the reader is impressive. I’d be interested to see what other stories these two could get themselves in to after this.
Fran Galán continues to impress with such dynamic visuals. I can still see the Bruce Time influence in facial features. But it’s so expressive thanks to the incredible shading and sense of depth and dimension. The sense of fine detail in clothing texture is also something you don’t often see portrayed to this degree. Galán has created a world which feels alive and full and it’s a joy to behold each month.
Verdict
As the mystery deepens, Pine & Merrimac seems to get darker and more challenging yet thanks to its wonderful character it’s a true joy to read.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
