Fairest #7

With the series' first arc wrapped up the latest issue of Fairest gives us a hard-boiled detective story set in 1940's Los Angeles centered around Beauty and the Beast. The issue is narrated by the Beast, who has lived the life of a knight and detective protecting his wife over the years from her own hidden beastly side.

Matthew Sturges' writing and Shawn McManus art compliment each other perfectly as most of the comic is shown in an extended 40's film noir style flashback as the Beast tries to stop one of his wayward wifes spells leading to more death. Complicating things is the appearance of St. George, also on the hunt for the killer not realizing she's the Beast's confused wife.

Although I enjoyed the first story arc of the series I was looking forward to a change and this issue certainly delivers. I'm a little disappointed that it appears the rest of the story will take place in present day when the story presented here worked so well because of the period it took place, but I'm more than willing to give this arc a long look. Best of the week.

[Vertigo, $2.99]