HUCK: BIG BAD WORLD #3, by Dark Horse Comics on 7/23/25, sees Huck attempting to help another superpowered individual while Mr. Harper’s search for his long-lost love continues, leading to a strange and surprising new ability being revealed.
Credits:
- Writer: Mark Millar
- Artist: Rafael Albuquerque
- Colorist: Dave McCaig
- Letterer: Clem Robins
- Cover Artist: Rafael Albuquerque (cover A)
- Publisher: Dark Horse Comics
- Release Date: July 23, 2025
- Comic Rating: Teen
- Cover Price: $4.99
- Page Count: 32
- Format: Single Issue
Covers:
Analysis of HUCK: BIG BAD WORLD #3:
First Impressions:
This issue dives headfirst into the larger mythology of the “superpeople” and the forces that might be against them. The comic continues its light-hearted, whimsical tone while introducing some darker, more intriguing elements that make you want to know what happens next.
Plot Analysis:
Huck and his companions are on a mission to find Gina Sykes, a woman with the ability to see and hear events from a hundred miles away. This power makes her hard to track because she knows they are coming long before they arrive. Despite the frustration of the search, Huck takes the time to help people along the way, signing autographs, taking selfies, and even comforting a lonely old man. He finally catches up to Gina, who has been listening to their conversations the whole time and is annoyed at having to constantly move. Gina reveals that her power is not a gift but a source of grief, as she is constantly tormented by the cries for help and bad things she sees and hears. She also mentions that she got her powers from the same “old witch” that Huck did.
After helping Gina, Huck and his group find Alex Birch, a girl in Los Angeles with an even stranger power. Alex can bring animals back from the dead, but only if they died before their time. This power also brought her grief, as she was constantly mobbed by people wanting her to resurrect their pets, causing her to run away. Huck’s mother, whose power is touching people to make them do what she wants, suggests they take Alex to a hospital to see if her power works on a human. At the hospital, they find a biker who died on the operating table after being shot three times. Alex is able to bring him back to life, and the group now has another member with newfound purpose.
Meanwhile, the hunt for Mr. Harper’s long-lost love, Sophia, continues to be a bust. Mr. Harper, also known as Jack, is grateful for their help but is also brokenhearted that they haven’t found Sophia. The group also learns of a mysterious organization called the Lucas Trust, which has been asking questions about “superpeople,” as well as the mysterious “old witch woman” who is a common link in all their origin stories.
The issue ends with Mr. Harper expressing his gratitude to the group for their help, while Anna questions the disappearance of the “supers,” the identity of the Lucas Trust, and the motivations of the “old witch woman”.
Story
The writing in Huck, Big Bad World #3 is what keeps the comic engaging and fun. Mark Millar’s ability to introduce new, imaginative superpowers and weave them into a coherent plot is on full display here. The central idea of superpeople not seeing their abilities as a gift but as a curse is a compelling twist that adds depth to the narrative. The dialogue is snappy and witty, especially the exchange where Alex’s ability to resurrect animals is compared to helping hamsters, which is both humorous and a clever way of framing her power in a more relatable light. The comic’s exploration of what it means to have a “sense of purpose” and how helping others fulfills that need is a strong, recurring theme that elevates the story beyond a simple superhero tale. The final pages, which highlight the mystery of the “old witch woman” and the “Lucas Trust,” expertly build anticipation for future issues.
Art
Rafael Albuquerque’s art is a mixed bag, to be honest. While the action sequences and full-page spreads are dynamic and well-composed, the close-ups of characters’ faces are a consistent problem. The facial expressions can be stiff and sometimes awkward, failing to convey the full range of emotion the dialogue demands. Characters often look like they’re a little off, with features that are slightly distorted or unnatural. This is especially noticeable in panels that focus on a character’s reaction to a shocking or emotional event. It pulls you out of the story and makes it difficult to connect with the characters on an emotional level.
Positives
This comic is a joy to read due to its well-crafted plot and character development. The whimsical and warm tone of the story, particularly in how Huck interacts with people, is a breath of fresh air. The introduction of Gina Sykes and Alex Birch’s powers, and their respective struggles with them, adds an interesting layer of psychological depth. The dialogue is sharp and entertaining, and the story moves at a brisk pace without feeling rushed. The comic’s greatest strength is its ability to balance lighthearted moments with a sense of underlying mystery and danger, keeping the reader invested in the overarching plot. The final page successfully sets up the next issue by introducing more questions about the conspiracy behind the superpowered individuals.
Negatives
The most glaring flaw in this issue is the facial art. The character’s faces are often poorly rendered, leading to expressions that feel wooden or distorted. This is particularly problematic in a comic that relies heavily on character interaction and emotional resonance. The inconsistent quality of the facial depictions detracts from the emotional beats of the story and makes it hard to take the more serious moments seriously. This is a consistent issue throughout the comic, and it stands out as the weakest link in an otherwise strong creative effort. It’s a shame because the rest of the art, from the panel composition to the action scenes, is quite good.
Art Samples:
Final Thoughts:
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HUCK: BIG BAD WORLD #3 is a strong entry that excels in its writing and creative plot, but is held back by its lackluster facial expressions. The whimsical and charming story, coupled with a growing sense of mystery, is what makes it a worthwhile read.
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