First of all, look at that work of art on the cover. It's by Lee Bermejo, and it's fan-frikkin-tastic! What a talent. The interiors aren't quite as eye-popping, but . . . they're good in their own right. Danijel Zezelj is the guest artist this issue. If you've had the opportunity to read any of the Loveless series, you've probably seen his work there. Very heavy on the shadows and inks, and therefore very moody. Perfect for this book. It doesn't look all that complicated at first glance. But if you slow down and study the panels . . . look at all the lines, and shadows and forms . . . and you'll find that there are some pretty amazing pieces to look at in this book. The panels on page 17, where John has just entered Shadow London, where everything is only as powerful as the world's belief in it, and reputation is the hand that holds all the cards, is really a page that deserves some attention. John is standing up to some urban legends. He's letting them know that he is just as powerful as them, because his reputation is just as well known. But he has the upper hand because he is real. So he uses his knowledge to tear down the legends and thereby render the characters powerless. He's actually there, at Map's bequest . . . the spirit of London . . . to go after three strays that have wandered there through on of the river tunnels. Effra to be exact. Map needs John to retrieve the wanderers and seal off the tunnel. Really, though, he just wants him to seal off the tunnel. Because John only makes it back with one of the three, and Map just sends her back behind the sealed entrance. "You know the mechanism. Urban myths spread like a virus. If word gets out, the story spreads . . . and they grow stronger. Why do you think they let her live?" Which just goes to show you, now matter how strong, or smart, you think you are . . . there's always someone else out there who's ready to use you as a pawn. The master of one game . . . and the Rook in another.
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