The mixture of 1960s housewife with cold-blooded assassin is not a natural one, but despite that this series has been an unexpected critical success over its previous two issues.  At some point though, the cracks would seem to have to appear in the mixture of two almost diametrically opposed character inspirations as the two really don’t match at all.  What is interesting about this third issue is that this schism is not avoided but rather confronted directly.  The creative team is aware of what a strange brew this is, and yet strives to add a degree of reality to the mix.

The story here follows a few different though intersecting paths as Josie is putting on a party for her neighbours, all the while her suspicious mother-in-law ruminates about her suspicions of Josie’s actions.  At the same time, her handler and his boss decide that this double-life is a detriment to Josie and the organization and decide on more drastic measures in order to protect themselves.  What might have seemed to be perhaps a step too far into the macabre with her next hit highlights the internal struggle of not only the character but also of the series.  A suburban mother of two is tasked to kill a small boy, and in the process the series almost loses its heart but also regains it.

It is maybe easy enough to see where this story is going, but it doesn’t even matter.  The combination of the design of the characters combined with the right storytelling makes this series remain as a gem.  The protagonist is deeply written and while not necessarily easy to associate with as a hero, still remains a character that the reader wants to see walk on the side of angels.  The character is made to be approachable and flawed and works all the better for it.  This is a now relatively short series (with only two issues left) but with the change of direction from this issue, it would appear that an engaging climax is set for this series.

Story: Joëlle Jones and Jamie S. Rich  Art: Joëlle Jones
Story: 8.6 Art: 8.6 Overall: 8.6 Recommendation: Buy

Dark Horse provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review.