If you’ve ever read Grant Morrison’s writing, you know you can expect the unexpected like no one else can deliver.
His latest tale, called Happy, draws to a close on Wednesday, February 20, when the fourth issue arrives from Image Comics in local comics shops.
And one good word to describe it is “different!”
Here’s the series’ description: “Meet Nick Sax – a corrupt, intoxicated ex-cop turned hit-man, adrift in a stinking twilight world of casual murder, soulless sex, eczema and betrayal. With a hit gone wrong, a bullet in his side, the cops and the mob on his tail, and a monstrous child killer in a Santa suit on the loose, Nick and his world will be changed forever this Christmas by a tiny blue horse called Happy … .”
You need to know all that before you get to the final issue: “Christmas is here, and the bad men are about to open their presents! It’s showdown time, but can Nick Sax save the day without Happy to help him – or will he screw this up like everything else? You must not miss the blood-drenched conclusion of our heartwarming Yuletide classic!”
Right off the bat, I’m sorry this fourth issue didn’t arrive before Christmas. It’s just weird reading a book about that holiday a couple of months after it’s gone by. But with Mr. Morrison, it just adds to the weirdness.
Darick Robertson’s art shines since he can provide the range of tone necessary for this comic, from child-like to darker-than-dark. Good job!
Although this comic focuses on a child and her imaginary friend, a magical blue horse, I would not in ANY way recommend it for kids. And that goes double for this fourth go-round. On the other hand, if you are a grown-up (I hesitate to use the word “adult” because it can have several different meanings.) who sometimes remembers being a child with a powerful imagination, this book will be fascinating reading.
The f-bomb gets dropped several times, and we see Nick punch out a priest (among other things). And just because it’s called Happy doesn’t mean it ends that way. Still, I found the conclusion to be very satisfying and will be enjoyed by many of Morrison’s fans and others.
If you enjoy variety in your reading as much as I do, you’ll want to get Happy and dive into this strange and wonderful story.
Below you’ll see one of the covers! Don’t miss it!
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