THE EPIC CONCLUSION! A cosmic battle to end all battles with Howard in the middle! Can he put an end to THE COLLECTOR once and for all with the help of the Guardians of the Galaxy and Silver Surfer? Seriously, I’m asking you. I’m on, like, page 12 o this script and I. Am. Stumped.

There are some comics that are released these days that, while superbly excellent, are still on the darker side of the medium (Old Man Logan springs to mind, as does 21 Pulp‘s Imposter). That’s not Howard the Duck #5.

This is a brilliant story that, on the surface, is a light hearted slice of fun.

I’ve been a huge fan of the series since it began early last year (yes, I am including the other issues numbered 1 through 5 from before Secret Wars  reset the numbering on almost everything), and a large part of that is the almost innocently chaotic nature of Chip Zdarsky‘s writing.

Howard the Duck #5 has been out for a week now, and while it’s not an ideal jumping on point for new readers (in fact, it’s probably the worst place for a new reader to start – the conclusion to a five part story arc? It’s probably far more enjoyable being read from start to finish, but I might be wrong in that assumption), it’s still a great conclusion to the opening story arc. Zdarsky has never shied away from including comedy into Howard‘s adventures, and while some of his characterizations of the numerous guest stars this issue may read to some as caricatures of the more standard appearances, for me that worked – but I can easily see why it may not be as successful for others.

Overall, while this may not be the best jumping on point (and next issue is the second part in a two part crossover with The Unbeatable Squirrel Girl #6, so that may also not be ideal unless you also read that issue…) it’s a fitting conclusion to a story that has been the right kind of madcap crazy fun sprinkled with a deceptive ability to get you right in the feels.

Writer: Chip Zdarsky Artist: Joe Quinones
Story: 9.5 Art: 9.25 Overall: 9.5 Recommendation: Buy