Review – Five Ghosts #9 (Image)

Publisher: Image Comics
Writer: Frank J. Barbiere
Artist: Chris Mooneyham
Release Date: 5th February 2014

In part three of the “Lost Coastlines” story arc of Five Ghosts, the adventures of Fabian Gray continue to capture my imagination and attention. Frank J. Barbiere’s writing is impeccable and Chris Mooneyham’s artwork sets the perfect tone for the story. The artwork is not what I would call clean but in my opinion it is perfectly suited for the story. And the switch to the almost ‘sketchbook’ look for the flashback sequence was a great tool used to distinguish between what was going on in the present and what was flashback.

The opening page sets the tone for the issue very well. We see Fabian Gray chained up by the wrists in the dark underbelly of Asif’s ship. The shadowing leaves only bits and pieces of Fabian visible but the dreamstone is aglow on his chest and Asif is in the background standing arrogantly in the door. The story then progresses we get a glimpse at what led up to the capture of Fabian; we also get another look at the mysterious female Captain of another pirate ship who also has a dreamstone (that, by the looks of it, channels the fictional character Sinbad the Sailor). We are also treated to a flashback sequence that shows how Asif and Fabian met and what has caused the deep hate they share for one another.

The story is progressing along at an even pace that feels neither sluggish nor fast, and manages to keep the reader intrigued and yearning for the next issue. For these two creators to have initially created the book to be just a five-issue mini, the ongoing series has yet to disappoint. I for one am curious about all the journeys of Fabian Gray and his search for more dreamstones to rescue his lost sister. While I wouldn’t suggest this as a jumping on point for any new readers, for those keeping up with the story it most definitely will not disappoint. Being a fan of the comic medium but also of literary fiction this book has been the perfect combination since it’s inception. I love to see Fabian channel such iconic characters as Robin Hood, Sherlock Holmes, Merlin, Dracula, and the Samurai Musashi (well, in my best guess, since the names are never given, only a vision of the characters as ghosts). And then to see another character with a similar affliction to Fabian whose dreamstone seems to channel other literary characters leaves me wondering who will we see next with the same ability and what ghost they will channel?

Overall, this is a great, well rounded action adventure book with outstanding characters and stories that leave you wanting more, I highly recommend anyone picking up the first five issues then continuing on with Fabian on his journey!