Part of this review originally ran in 2011 when the series was published by a different company.

Jack Hammer is back with a new publisher behind the detective’s adventures. Originally published by Reasonably Priced Comics, The detective meets super powers series by writer Brandon Barrows and artist Ionic has a new publisher Action Lab Entertainment as part of their “Return of the Hero” line of comics.

With the architect of Eddie Newman’s death revealed, Jack goes on the offensive to confront the mastermind pulling the strings of Boston’s underworld and rescue Newman’s kidnapped widow. He knows the who and the how, but the questions remain: why? And does he stand a chance? The protagonist Jack Hammer is still on the trail of the murder and winds up going against a villain from his past.

Much I like I thought when I originally reviewed this comic, even three years later, it’s still a nice solid read, it’s good. Sporting an entertaining mix of super heroes and a crime/noir story it hits the notes you’d expect as far as dialogue, character personalities and action.  There’s great flow to the story.

There’s also been a lot of growth over the three issues as far as the look and style of the characters, many of the nitpicking issues I had with the first issue have smoothed away and/or grown on me.  The style fits the series and makes the comic series stand out a bit.  Issues I had with things like hair are not as prevalent, as a depth that was missing at times has been added. The angles and use of panels is solid as well.

There’s one more issue to go in this volume, and it’ll be interesting to see if it still holds up over the years. I expect it’ll leave me with the same satisfied feeling I had during the first read through. Hopefully we’ll see more of Jack Hammer through Action Lab, a publisher that seems like a perfect home to him and his world.

This issue also sports an amazing variant cover by Des Taylor.

Writer: Brandon Barrows Art: Ionic
Story: 7.5 Art: 7.5 Overall: 7.5 Recommendation: Read

Action Lab Entertainment provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review