Publisher: Image Comics
Writer: Frank J. Barbiere
Artist: Chris Mooneyham
Release Date: 4th June 2014

Since the beginning of the Lost Coastlines story arc I have been nothing short of awestruck with each passing issue of this series. And now, with this being the conclusion to the storyline, I simply cannot wait for the next to begin so that I can once again be immersed in this amazing world of adventure that Frank J. Barbiere and Chris Mooneyham have so masterfully created. Sometimes the end of storylines can feel rushed or can leave the reader with questions unanswered, but thankfully that is simply not the case here. Lost Coastlines ends, as it should, leaving us the readers eagerly anticipating where this series will go next. If you haven’t been keeping up with this book in single-issue form then do yourselves a favor and when the trade comes out pick it up and help support these creators by joining in the adventures of Fabian Gray.

In this issue, Fabian is faced with a choice; to save his allies he must fight to the death, even if that means killing his old mentor Asif, who has been mutated into the beast called Caliban. And, without giving away spoilers that is about as far as I can go.

Frank J. Barbiere has created a character that feels like he belongs in a classic novel of old or on the big screen in his own series of films. The character is everything you look for in a flawed hero and action-adventure lead. This storyline has brought Fabian to the point where he has had to deal with many demons from his past and has brought him into contact with other individuals who also have dreamstones and the power that comes with them. The storytelling is top notch as always here, drawing you into the emotion that Fabian is facing with each new challenge and choice. You simply cannot help but be drawn into this tale.

As for the art of Chris Mooneyham… I don’t even know where to begin. I truly believe that Mooneyham’s artwork, while it may seem rough and unpolished to some, is some of the best art on the shelves right now. The grit and his use of line shading makes the environments and characters just jump off the page. And the emotion that Mooneyham captures on the faces of these characters is phenomenal. There are a few panels where you can just feel – from the art alone – the emotion that Fabian is feeling; the anger, the pain, confusion and just flat-out determination that he will do what he must to survive. The fight scene that takes place between Fabian and Caliban is alive on the page. It’s visceral and violent and drawn with such movement and intensity that you feel as if you are spectating live (albeit from a safe distance as to not be injured or covered in blood splatter). There are so many panels in this issue just leave me speechless at the talent possessed by Mooneyham and I’m glad I had the ability to view such artistry.

Rating: 5/5.

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The writer of this piece was: Shane Hoffman (aka “Hoff”)
You can also find Hoff on Twitter.