Finally got around to reading The Crimebusters #5 today. Wow, how far this book has come! I love the lavish new colors that really take advantage of the paper and print quality Crimebuster is using. The plot is rich, the mystery complex and fascinating, and the villains made for hilarious comic relief even while subtly hinting at something downright scary. As usual, the supporting cast seems far more fascinating and rich than Chuck and trixie themselves: Loover and Granny Gumshoe -- I want so much more from these two!

One thing I'm torn on is the final reveal: it's clever, but I can't decide whether or not it's also supposed to be a gag. I found it hilarious, almost like it was ripped from the pages of The Tick, but I'm not sure I was supposed to.

As for the new artist, I'm impressed. Yes, his artistic abilities are pretty good, but I'm even more impressed with what this tells us about how far Scott has come in bringing his dream to make comic books to reality. He's now got multiple titles, a long list of allies in the business, and now he even has a brilliant colorist and a competent penciler/inker working to help him turn out higher quality work faster. My only regret here is that I truly liked Scott's art. It was definitely inconsistent, but it was getting better. While Radwanski's art is consistent and professional-looking, Scott's best panels looked far far better, and I miss them. Scott, when you inevitably read this, I truly hope you'll consider at least penciling a backup every now and then. Your art was evolving into something truly special. You had a unique signature style that doesn't resemble anything else I've seen, and I'd love to see you take it to the next level.


Anyway, keep these Crimebusters adventures coming! And if Loover or Granny ever get their own books, you'd better bet I'll be there!