Ya know what? Outcast is probably the best comic book by Robert Kirkman, which, granted, is not saying much. Invincible? Garbage. The Walking Dead? Poop on a stick. But Outcast? This one I can give a read, no problem.
(Update: since writing this review, my opinion about The Walking Dead has changed. I actually quite like it now! Who would’ve thought)
So, volume 3. Kyle Barnes keeps exorcising the evil spirits while getting the shit beaten out of him. If this sounds familiar, that's because this is exactly what was going on in the last two volumes. Still, the exorcism scenes are probably the best part of the series — they're always so intense, raw and gritty. But there are some plot developments in this volume, too — we get more of the strange dude in a black hat with his evil plan to do whatever, and we also get to see a darker side of Reverend Anderson. Oh, and Kyle realises something about what kind of things help in performing his exorcisms, which is a pretty funny scene closer to the end of this volume.
Look, I know, not much is happening in this comic so far, but to be fair, not much is ever happening in The Walking Dead, too. At least there aren't like a zillion boring-ass characters in Outcast. It's hard for me to explain what I like about this particular series. Just, like, the feel of it? The whole dark atmosphere feels somehow unique and pretty captivating. It's also an especially good read this time of year, in October, when it starts to get cold and dark and Halloween-y. Well, maybe it's just me.
What is definitely great about this series, though, is the artwork by Paul Azaceta. There is a very David Aja feel about his style, which is a good thing. His action scenes, in particular, look great. And masterful colouring by Elizabeth Breitweiser is gorgeous as always. You may also know her from Ed Brubaker's latest comics like Velvet, Kill Or Be Killed and Criminal Volume 7, and just like those comics, Outcast looks great in big part thanks to her colouring.
Outcast may not be the most acclaimed Robert Kirkman series, but I do think it's his best, and his only comic worth reading. I only hope it will end sooner rather than later, because I absolutely can't image this going on for more than 10 volumes (and we all know how Kirkman doesn't like to end his books). Poor Kyle Barnes can only take so many beatings before it becomes completely ridiculous, but until then, I am on board with the series.