UNDER THE INFLUENCE #3, from Mad Cave Studios on 9/20/23, turns a bad situation worse when Tim’s plea for release is heard, and McNeely’s son takes the news badly.
The Details
- Written by: Eliot Rahal
- Art by: Stefano Simeone
- Colors by: Stefano Simeone
- Letters by: Frank Cvetkovic
- Cover art by: Stefano Simeone
- Comic Rating: Mature
- Cover price: $4.99
- Release date: September 20, 2023
Is UNDER THE INFLUENCE #3 Good?
UNDER THE INFLUENCE #3 takes the story about a “social media following turned cult” into dark and dangerous territory in Eliot Rahal’s latest entry. Tim’s shooting at the hands of Russo causes a cascade of events nobody could have predicted, turning an intriguing story about the sinister power of influence into a spiraling tragedy.
When last we left, Paul, Cara, and all the rest, Russo mistakenly shot Tim outside the Hot Dog Party’s gathering. The issue concluded with Tim giving Paul permission to end his life as a sacrifice that would increase the group’s popularity. Now, Tim dies from a heart attack (or does he?), and McNeely’s son takes violent revenge against Russo for killing Tim, creating a rallying point of solidarity and outrage within the Hot Dog Party.
Readers who’ve followed the series will note a general shift in tone with this issue. Up to this point, Paul’s position as head of the Hot Dog Party gave you the impression there was some darker force working through him to amass power via viral influence, possibly a secret power or supernatural presence. In this issue, there’s almost no hint of a dark power guiding Paul’s actions, instead leaning on an escalating series of developments to hold your attention.
What’s great about UNDER THE INFLUENCE #3? Eliot Rahal takes readers on a rollercoaster ride as the plot blindsides you with one unexpected twist after another, taking a bad situation to an even more complicated and worse situation. The spiraling tragedy develops as quickly as a social media post going viral, which appears to be intentional.
What’s not so great about UNDER THE INFLUENCE #3? Michael’s actions, in response to the news of Tim’s death, happen a little too quickly and conveniently. Michael’s revenge actions hit like a freight train, as intended, but several convenient pieces were put in place to make Michael’s revenge possible.
How’s the art? Stefano Simeone’s style mostly works for the story being told, with one exception. Simeone’s character designs are memorable, the facial acting is excellent, and the panel angles keep your eyes engaged every step of the way. That said, Simeone’s choice to saturate entire scenes in pinks, purples, and blues tends to wash out the darker, dramatic moments.
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What’s UNDER THE INFLUENCE #3 About?
[SPOILERS AHEAD – Click here if you just want the score without spoilers]
Check out our UNDER THE INFLUENCE #2 review to learn how Tim’s night at a party ended badly.
We begin back in the hospital where Tim was taken after being shot by Russo. Suddenly, Tim goes into cardiac arrest and later dies. The look on Paul’s face tells you everything you need to know about Paul.
Elsewhere, Russo is questioned at McNeely’s house when Paul live streams the news about Tim’s death. Michael, McNeely’s son and rabid Hot Dog party member, hears the news in the adjacent room and decides to take one of his father’s guns to exact revenge.
We conclude the issue with Cara reaching too late for an opportunity, a crowd, and the seat of power.
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Final Thoughts
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UNDER THE INFLUENCE #3 dispenses with the hint of dark forces behind the Hot Dog Party and recounts what happens when one tragedy leads to another in a vicious spiral. Rahal’s escalating plot development is an intriguing roller coaster of anxiety, and Simeone’s art is mostly on point.
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