D.O.A. is one of those film noir movies that grabs you by the throat and doesn’t ever let you forget it. Like many noirs, it uses flashback to kick things off. At the outset, we’re introduced to Edmund O’Brien who staggers into a police station to announce his own murder.  The basic premise is this: he’s been poisoned, and he has only hours to catch his murderer before he dies. Talk about motivation!

One of AfterShock Comics‘ latest series, Out of Body reminded me of the thrills of that classic. But it offers a whole lot more.   In this one, Dan Collins wakes to find he’s on life support in a hospital, and he has to solve the mystery of how he got there and who did it to him.

Peter Milligan, the creator and writer, is an established pro with a long list of favorites I’ve enjoyed over the years.  Not content to rest on his laurels, I’m amazed how fresh and clever this series is. He’s the type of writer that convinces you he has an infinite number of stories to tell, and that each one will be a step up from the last one that was your favorite.  It’s surprising but it shouldn’t be; he’s created another favorite.

I first became a fan of artist Inaki Miranda with Vertigo’s Coffin Hill a little less than a decade ago. He’s an engaging artist with a solid sense of storytelling. Miranda’s creating so much outstanding artwork lately, but it never seems rushed or hurried. Continue reading “With Further Ado #152: Out of Body from AfterShock Comics is a Different Kind of Murder Mystery.” →