By Joe Douglas
For an issue that is basically all set
up Forgotten is a heck of a lot of fun. Mike Bullock seems much
more comfortable writing the Phantom than in past issues and
Silvestre Szilagyi’s debut as on-going artist is simply beautiful and
in one or two frames reminds me of the greatest of Phantom
artists, Sy Barry.
As mentioned the issue is a big set up for the next story arc, The
Invisible Children three parter which we have heard so much
about. Still, as an issue in and of itself #16 is fun, fast and full of
action that will have your blood pumping. The Carlyle family
passing the Good Mark down from generation to generation is
something right out of a Lee Falk story as are the poor natives
whose intentions are misunderstood. Angela Carlyle is a very
likable character (recurring Femme Fatals is something I’d love to see in Moonstone’s stories) and I hope we get to see her again sometime soon.
I was surprised to see Moonstone go with a black and white cover for this issue, something
that is very rarely seen in comic stores, and then usually only as a variant cover, not as the
standard issue cover. Still, the effect of this stark black and white image, beautifully created
by Bret Blevins and Terry Austin, stands out on the comic store self from among the horde of
colour covers.
Moonstone #16 is arguably Bullocks finest Phantom tale to date and this issue would also act
as a perfect jumping on point for new Phans.
SCORE: 4/ 5
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