The Web series Dirigible Days is one of my favorite web series. I love the steampunk combination with the Lovecraft Cthulhu of the series. The characters were fun and very human. I couldn’t wait to read the comic book sequel to the the web series. But will Dirigible Days 998 hold up in a comic book format?
Credits:
Dirigible Days 998
Day 304 Comics
Writer: James Bragado
Artist/Penciler: Chris Bailey
Inker: Jay Devasier
Letters: Gary Lobstein
Cover: Rick Burchett
Plot: (Major Plot Spoilers)
The Crew of the airship S.S. Beatrix is back. Captain Dunbar, Josie, and Hooper have added Dr Nella Chatterjee and Mackie MacMillian (the navigator) to the crew. The crew becomes entangled in a political plot that could lead to a World War. This trail leads them to a familiar Cthulhu Cult and their vile leader Salazar Strega.
Review:
Art:
The black and white interior art is full of beautiful details. Chris Bailey’s style lends itself to this steampunk story. His pencils are a perfect fit.
The inking job of Jay Devasier is a perfect compliment to Bailey’s art. He uses shading to tell part of the story. The Flashback scenes are much lighter than the current story.
Rick Burchett is one of my favorite comic book artists. He doesn’t get his deserved due. His cover art for Dirigible Days 998 is beautiful. It is the only color images and it jumps out at us.
Story/Plot:
It is a political intrigue story swirled in the world of steampunk and a Cthulhu cult. The world is a fragile place where war is set to break out at any moment. Countries are trying to one up the other with super weapons.
I really enjoyed the plot of this self contained story. It built up like a James Bond movie. I had a ton of fun with this story.
The story further developed the main characters. I have a better understanding of Josie, Captain Dunbar, and even Strega. I love the new characters of Dr Nella Chatterjee , Mackie MacMillian, and the villainous Penny Gwinn.
I felt like the story came to a quick close. Our heroes weren’t involved with final battle with Salazar Strega. This in itself isn’t a bad thing. It reminds me of the ending battle in The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe novel (unlike the movie) and many other classic stories. I was left hoping to see Captain Dunbar and the crew of the S.S. Beatrix charge in with guns blazing to take down the Cthulhu Cult but was disappointed.
My REVIEW:
I don’t like black and white comic books. I have enjoyed very few black and white comics over my nearly 40 years of reading comics. But Dirigible Days 998 is an exception. The story is wonderful fun. The pencils and inks make this issue pop and actually enhances the story. I was sad when the story came to a close.
Anyone who loves a good steampunk or a political intrigue story should check out this fine comic from Day 304 Comics.
Grade:A-
