Resident Alien: The Sam Hain Mystery 2

Stranded on Earth and hiding in the small town of Patience, Washington, the alien known as Dr. Harry Vanderspeigel attempts to solve another murder mystery. When he finds an old briefcase containing an odd confession, a violent manuscript, and a crime novel signed with a mysterious inscription, Harry sets out to uncover the truth once again!

Issue number two is a tense page turner.  Be prepared to not put this comic down after you pick it up.  The plot thickens as Harry learns a bit more of the Rex Monday mystery.  There are several pages describing an affair, a short novel that could be so much more, and more questions than Harry can answer.  Fortunate for him, he has a plucky assistant to help him with some out of the box thinking.

This issue is consistent with the two that have gone before.  The story is seamless and tight.   The art is realistic and colorful without being garish.  The flashback scenes highlighting the affair and murder are breathtaking.  Hogan keeps the story going in that steady freight train fashion that is perfect for a good mystery.  Love a good mystery, then you will love this book.

For more information about Resident Alien and other groundbreaking comics from Dark Horse, visit their website here: Dark Horse Comics.

Geek-o-Rama received a copy of this book for the purpose of this review. All thoughts, comments and opinions are those of the individual reviewer.

Resident Alien: The Sam Hain Mystery 1

The stranded, curious alien known as Dr. Harry tends to patients in the sleepy town of Patience, Washington. Questions about the town’s previous doctor arise when a strange briefcase is found. Does Harry’s favorite mystery writer live in Patience too?

Issue one kicks off with our Resident Alien, Harry settling into the somewhat humdrum existence of a country doctor, seeing patients and getting a feel for life in Patience.  He appears to all as the kindly physician he masquerades as, taking the various people with a touch of humor.  Then our plot take a slight turn when he realizes that his favorite mystery writer may actually live in Patience.  Peter Hogan, the writer of the series, sets a wonderful pace for this story.  The tempo of the story is probably the best thing about Resident Alien.

This comic moves at a leisurely pace, but one that keeps the reader turning pages.  Ellery Queen or Agatha Christie would be proud of the tone Hogan sets, and keeps throughout his scripts.  There are good comic writers, and there are great ones.  It is easy to see which arena Peter Hogan falls into.  Like any good mystery, the reader will find themselves looking for clues in every scene, and even flipping back for any vital information they may have missed.

Steve Parkhouse, is a great artist who captures expressions well.  He helps set the tone for the script so well, it’s hard to remember at times, that this is a comic, rather than real life.  Unlike many titles, he has a knack for making his characters seem realistic while still capturing the vibrant colors of a comic book.  R.A. is a brilliant title that lovers of good storytelling will not want to miss.  Stay tuned for the next issue.

For more information about Resident Alien: The Sam Hain Mystery, or other great Dark Horse titles, please visit Dark Horse Comics.

Geek-o-Rama received a copy of this book for the purpose of this review. All thoughts, comments and opinions are those of the individual reviewer.

Resident Alien: The Sam Hain Mystery 0

A stranded alien scientist hides out in the sleepy town of Patience, Washington, while federal agents begin to close in on him.  Secrets about his home planet—as well as his first months on Earth—are revealed!  This special #0 issue collects Resident Alien: The Sam Hain Mystery chapters 1 to 3, originally serialized in Dark Horse Presents Volume 3, #1 through #3, published in 2014

Resident Alien has been around for awhile and this is a great opportunity for readers to get a refresh on the characters before moving on to newer stories about our distinguished interloper and part time country doctor.  He may even solve a mystery or two with the help of his plucky native american nurse.

Issue 0 takes you through Harry setting up shop in the town of Patience after obtaining a nest egg of legal currency in Vegas to throw off the Government agents circling in on him.  This comic is not a slam bang ride but a leisurely cruise in an Aston Martin.  The muted colors set the tone of an involved narrative that will draw you in on a subtle but sure ride.  Ready for a slow steady pace that will leave you flipping pages with rapt anticipation, come join displaced alien Harry Vanderspeigle for a little clue gathering whodunnit.

For more information about Resident Alien: The Sam Hain Mystery or other great titles from Dark Horse Comics visit Dark Horse Comics.

Geek-o-Rama received a copy of this book for the purpose of this review. All thoughts, comments and opinions are those of the individual reviewer.