HERE COMES CALICO #3, from Sigma Comics on 7/5/23, follows Hector as he tracks down a ruthless dog fighter with a drug business on the side. Meanwhile, D.M. has a breakthrough.
The Details
- Written by: H.H. German
- Art by: Javier Orabich
- Colors by: Daniel Grimaldi
- Letters by: Javier Orabich
- Cover art by: Garnabiel
- Comic Rating: Mature
- Cover price: $2.99
- Release date: July 5th, 2023
Is It Good?
HERE COMES CALICO #3 sets Calico on the hunt for a brutal criminal who uses dogs for sports and drug-addicted kids for cash in a mature, gritty, and most cohesive issue in the series so far. H.H. German’s creation is picking up steam toward a promising destination.
When last we left Calico, we witnessed a day in the life of a merciless vigilante as he beats down (and sometimes mutilates) abusers of defenseless animals throughout the five boroughs of New York. Now, Calico catches wind of a thug who beats and starves dogs for illegal fights while pushing an ultra-addictive drug on the side. When Calico finds him, all bets are off.
One of the down points of issue #2 was the seeming randomness of the scenes and the jarring transitions. You didn’t know where to focus, so the plot got lost. In issue #3, German takes a few side trips to continue Calico’s multi-threaded exploits, but the throughline makes more sense, and the editor’s notes go a long way toward connecting the dots between this issue and the previous ones. In short, this issue is more clear and concise.
The issue is elevated further by the amusing introduction of several truly eclectic characters. A dwarf with Down’s Syndrome who happens to be a dangerous crime boss? A masked biker gang of thieves who are all four feet tall or less? A legless vet on a skateboard who attacks gang members like a bowling ball striking ten pins? This may be the weirdest collection of street criminals you’re likely to meet since Dick Tracy’s Rogues Gallery. It’s not clear how German intends to pay these introductions off, but they’re an instant curiosity draw.
On the downside, the scene transitions are jarring. The throughline for the main plot is clear, and the scenes aren’t as random as in issue #2, but there’s still a fair bit of jumping around. The scenes hard cut from one scene to the next without a clear transition, so you get a vague sense of whiplash. If this series gets collected in a trade, it may read better than it does as single-issue releases.
How’s the art? Great. Javier Orabich’s pencils/inks are shockingly detailed for an indie comic. Regardless of your feelings about the script or the main character’s brutal exploits, this comic has top-tier comic art. As a bonus, Daniel Grimaldi’s coloring is equally detailed and gorgeous. To be fair, the pages are visually dark, but that’s partly due to the newspaper stock. It’s good quality paper, but the color pop gets flattened due to the paper’s texture.
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What’s It About?
[SPOILERS AHEAD – Click here if you just want the score without spoilers]
Check out our HERE COMES CALICO #2 review to find out what a day in the life of an animal rights vigilante looks like.
We begin with Hector, aka Calico, working out his aggression in a boxing gym when the trainer asks Hector to spar with an up-and-comer to prepare for a fight. The kid has speed but lacks wisdom, so Hector takes it easy on him. Hector’s finesse in the ring catches the attention of another fighter with malicious intent.
Later, Calico makes quick work of the slumlord from the previous issue who likes to kick dogs. In his tortured pain, the slumlord barters mercy for the details of an illegal dog fighting ring. Calico takes the information and sets a new course for vengeance.
Meanwhile, D.M. (Dog Momma) studies the video of the dog abuser identified in issue #1. With a little luck and help from video expert friends, she finds a clue as to the abuser’s identity. We conclude the issue with brothers in cages and feeding time.
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Final Thoughts
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HERE COMES CALICO #3 pits the animal rights vigilante against an illegal dog fighting ring in a gritty, brutal, and more cohesive entry in the series. The plot is cleaner, clearer, and more concise, and the art is top-notch.
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