Fallen Angel #14
DC Comics
Writer: Peter David
Pencils: David Lopez
Inks: Fernando Blanco
Colors: Nathan Eyring
Price: $2.95

Rating: 3 ? stars

The more issues I read of Fallen Angel, the better I like the book. Peter David has built a character and a town wrapped in mystery, and as he slowly peels away each layer, the end result is more intriguing then the last. Assisted ably by artist David Lopez, the book has a distinct feel that pulls the reader in and makes them want to come back for more.

The premise of the book centers on the mysterious Fallen Angel. Lee is a beautiful red head enigma who doesn?t fit the category of either heroine or villain. Her ties to the town Bete Noire are as deeply buried as her powers are. As each issue unfolds, we have learned a small bit more about Lee and the way things are done in her town. Her relationship with Doctor Juris and her deeply disturbing bout with Back Mariah only further cloud her motives. Every character she comes in contact with is not as they seem, and it is hard to guess the ending.

Issue 14 brings most of the cast of characters to the bar that Fallen Angel frequents. Dolf, the owner of the bar, is as much a mystery as any other person who enters his establishment in search of Lee. He tends to her and acts as a bouncer of sorts for the wrong element. In this issue, many of the people Lee has tangled with make an appearance or send their regards. How Lee and Dolf interact with these characters gives a little more visibility to their place within Bete Noire. To say that the ending is a shock is to be a little too subtle. I can hardly wait to see what happens in future issues as a result.

Writer David is obviously enjoying having the freedom to build his own environment and give the characters a little more ?PG-13? ability to breathe. As a fan of his work on several titles such as Captain Marvel and the Hulk, I can easily say that this is some of his best work. David thrives here in a world he has created that isn?t bound by any type of continuity, similar to the great novels he has written. Each issue brings the reader a bit more tightly into his web, and I for one, wouldn?t have it any other way.

David Lopez and inker Fernando Blanco have a great sense of the city of Bete Noire. The infinite nooks and cranny?s of the town make it more sinister and enigmatic. Lopez and Blanco give the characters a dark, dangerous feel while retaining a sense of realism found somewhere like New Orleans after our bedtimes. I hope this creative team stays on board with David for the duration.

Fallen Angel is the best book out there you aren?t reading. Readers looking for a book with an edge, but not quite Vertigo-style should give this a try. The creative team is on a great run, and I would hate for you to miss it. The characters are intense and exciting, and the city is one of the lead actresses. Fallen Angel is Peter David having the time of his life, and he?s bringing us along with him.

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