SOULSEARCHERS #59

Claypool Comics
David/Heebink/DeMulder/Patterson

You gotta give Claypool credit. For over ten years, they've consistently put out quality comics, ON TIME, despite a dearth of attention from publications like WIZARD. I'd love to see their flagship title, SOULSEARCHERS AND COMPANY, get a bit more fanfare - if for no other reason than it's a great read.

For those not in the know, the Soulsearchers are a group of supernatural investigators. Each member has his or her own special ability - Bridget has an enchanted vaulting pole, Baraka is a fire demon, Kelly is a witch, and Janocz is a shape-changing gypsy. Rounding out the crew is their accountant, Peterson (who has a magic bag), and Stanley, the group's founder (who happens to be a prairie dog).

In the latest issue, young Gabriel Horne seeks approval to join the Soulsearchers. Recounting his light-hearted origin, Gabriel tells the group how he obtained his fearsome weapon - and enchanted Super-Soaker gun. Called to vanquish a fearsome foe at the local library, the gang brings Gabriel along to see if he'll pass muster.

You might have gathered that this isn't a serious book, but neither is it strictly a humor book. True, sometimes the humor could be subtler, but David provides both genuinely funny gags and characters that are easy to care about.

The art's been consistently strong on SOULSEARCHERS, though regular penciller Gordon Purcell's absent this time around. John Heebink's fill-in effort is a good one, however, strengthened by DeMulder and Patterson's inks.

SOULSEARCHERS #59 is a great jumping-on point (although I'd say the same about almost any issue - they're all accessible). Look for the great cover by Amanda Conner and Steve Leialoha - a fitting homage to the Legion of Super-Heroes Adventure classic.

Reviewer: Doug Giffin

--
Doug Giffin is the creator/writer of Harlow's End: Elijah's Tale (as previously seen in Digital Webbing Presents #3). To see more of Doug's work, visit his website at www.psychoengine.com

Any publishers that would like Doug Giffin to do a review, please feel free to contact him at doug@psychoengine.com or you can contact Ed Dukeshire on the contact page.

--
Any statements made, expressed or implied on Digital Webbing are solely those of columnists or persons interviewed and do not represent the editorial position of the administration, who does not accept responsibility of such statements. All characters and artwork shown on Digital Webbing are trademark and © of their respective owners.