Tartarus #3 is out June 17, 2020. — **Tartarus #3** is out June 17, 2020.

By Gabe Gonzalez — Man, oh man. What can I say about Tartarus that hasn’t already been said? This book is just a complete explosion of vibrant color and excellent storytelling rolled up into a single, oversized package of comics goodness. I mean, I thought the first two issues of Tartarus were some of the most spectacular comics to hit the shelves, and yet the third issue still manages to keep the quality at such an unreal, phenomenal level.

The story has built a rich mythology after only three issues. This particular issue uses its page space to give a unique groundwork of both the past and present of the world of the story. This book operates in a place that I personally think is unique within the realm of western comicsdom, where it has an incredible and vast collection of characters and fictional history all being thrown to the reader at once in a very consumable manner that remains clear. The characters are all given their own spaces to be incredibly well fleshed-out instead of standard science-fiction archetypes. The world of Tartarus is truly something special, and writer Johnnie Christmas makes every page work well in tandem with the artistry from Jack Cole.

Speaking of Jack Cole’s art, it’s an absolute spectacle that will probably be studied by comic scholars in twenty years. It truly is something to both be witnessed and appreciated. His ability to illustrate everything from spacecraft, to skyscrapers, to clothing, etc. is one of the most impressive things to come out of this book as his artistic hand/vision is needed to make this brand-new world come to life and he does it with 80’s retro sci-fi sensibilities and spectacular art stylization.

Being the most action-centric issue of the series thus far, Tartarus #3 sees Cole really giving it his all in every panel. His expert sense of style allows the various fight sequences to come alive and become a showcase of well-done choreography within the paneled page. I myself have a martial arts background, and it’s always nice for me to see well-executed fight sequences. His use of applying science-fiction ideas to various weaponry like the vibrant green whip is super interesting as well. The panels and imagery are just something for the audience to gawk at and enjoy on every page.

The duo of Johnnie Christmas and Jack Cole seems like one of the best pairings in comics right now, and to see this modern science-fiction epic come to life is something I am excited to see more of in the future.

Overall: Three issues in, the book has created a dense and rewarding mythology. This world is filled to the brim with retro science-fiction stylization and excellent storytelling, and it’s one of the best books currently on the shelves. I absolutely recommend it if you’re into any of those things. 10/10

Tartarus #3
Writer: Johnnie Christmas
Artist: Jack T. Cole
Letterer: Jim Campbell
Publisher: Image
Price: $3.99
“DATE NIGHT IN HELL” Tilde and Klinzu face a new impossible foe—the most dangerous threat they've faced so far. When the smoke clears, not everyone will make it out alive.
Release Date: June 17, 2020
Buy It Online: Click here!

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Gabe Gonzalez