George Suttle’s detective skills really shine as he ponders the events of last issue over a pint with his driver Bowes. Lord Falconbridge practically served up Lord John, the heir to the murdered Lord Hinchcliffe, as the culprit, suggesting that since both men were Young (Vampires) that John would never inherit the title and wealth of his father. Suttle hypothesises a different chain of events which startled both Bowes and myself as a reader. The scene climaxes in another droll twist, which has distinguished this series, playing against the stuffy culture of the time.
Suttle determines it’s time to find this “Pretendleby” the artist friend of Lord Hinchcliffe’s. They raid the artist’s studio and find many things that may be clues. Suttle is called away at the arrival of his prostitute friend Sapphire.
Later, based on a hint from Sapphire, he tracks down a poet that was also an associate of Hinchcliffe’s, named Salt. Salt explains an interesting theory he has about this vampire and zombie populated world, then gives Suttle the slip. Things look bleak, when Suttle attempts to pursue him in this anti-Young district.
I am loving this book like crazy and this issue provides some real twists and turns as Suttle may (or may not) be closing in on the solution to this mystery. This was a critical issue to the miniseries as a whole.
I can’t praise this book enough. It’s utterly unique with intriguing mystery. As a whole, this book is thought-provoking and amusing at times, but the characters are the real draw. Suttle and Bowes’ evolving partnership and Suttle’s attraction to human prostitute Sapphire are all extremely well-handled and add to the appeal of this book. I can’t wait for the conclusion, but the journey itself is so delicious and enjoyable. I’m fine prolonging the experience and know I’ll miss it once this series wraps up in two issues. I’m only deducting a tiny bit simply because this issue doesn’t stand on its own. But don’t let that stop you. Go out and grab all the back issues. You’ll be glad you did.
THE NEW DEADWARDIANS #6
Written by Dan Abnet
Art and Cover by L.N.J. Culbard
