Yay, we're finally back!
After the Other business, this issue is a comparatively light-hearted romp that accentuates what makes this series so great (when it is great), namely the characters. Yost displays such a strong command over their individual voices, like Kaine's impressive commitment to being a grumpy old man or Aracely's excited narrative of everything around her. But, he also really excels at portraying their relationships with each other, like Donald telling Kaine that he can resume being moody tomorrow or Wally asking Aracely how she can eat so much.
More than anything, though, I loved Yost's ham-fisted use of a drunk and heart-broken Armadillo as the vehicle for Kaine realizing that monsters can have happy endings, too. I mean, is it going to be a happy ending? No, of course not (particularly given the last page). But, it does help Kaine experience life more fully than he has so far, making it one more step in him becoming a real boy, if you will. This series is at its best when it plays to Kaine's inner hope that he can live a normal life (instead of wallowing in his nagging fear that he can't). This issue is a great example of that and I'm excited to see where Kaine's relationship with Annabelle brings us on that journey. I just hope that we keep on getting more like it.
But, of course, Yost doesn't let everything be all happy. When are the Kravens going to attack? Who's this "she" whose return Madame Web warns Kaine in a letter will result in everyone dying? Did Annabelle burn said letter because she wanted Kaine to stay or for more nefarious reasons? I mean, I want Kaine to be happy; I don't want him to be too happy.
(Whew.) Seriously, I was worried about this series there for a few issues, but I'm glad we found our footing again. Great stuff.
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