In this issue: the moment we’ve all been waiting for. A.C. Medina and Kevin Shah’s Elasticator hasn’t left readers wanting for action so far, and Elasticator #3 doesn’t disappoint.

The series began with the arrest of Mikey Mazzagatti and has since centered on the events leading up to the arrest, including the complex politics of Brooklyn and a rampant drug problem. With necessary introductions covered in issues #1 and #2, the bones of the story are shaping up into a formidable beast. Elasticator #3 provides some extremely satisfying answers to some of the overarching questions of the series without losing the same smart storytelling that has been a defining characteristic of the story so far. Fans will finally get Mikey’s superhero origin story and discover more about Tiggy and the combination of drugs and political machinations that got both of them in trouble in the first place.

In three issues, Medina and Shah have created the kind of comic that many superhero stories could take notes from. Both the setting and characters are richly developed, with compelling motivations that propel the plot. The focus on real life issues and creating very human characters elevates Elasticator beyond a run-of-the-mill superhero story, and the attention given to developing background characters ensures the story remains, at a base level, very much about humanity.

As with the previous issues, Shah’s art is a highlight. The characters are dynamic and stylized, which keeps the story from feeling too heavy even as it explores topics like drugs, violence, and political corruption. The character designs are diverse and unique, with expressive faces and body language that highlight the constant motion on each page. Ross A. Campbell has brought some incredible colors into this issue, bringing a wonderful vibrancy to already lively characters. Mikey’s warm, rich palette gets a moment in the spotlight toward the end of the comic that also serves to emphasize the contrast and burgeoning conflict between him and Brother V’s forces. The art has always been a standout, but it also seems to get better each issue.

The Elasticator team has created a book with depth, great characters, and themes that get more compelling with each chapter. As the intrigue heightens, Elasticator is a comic that deserves its spot on your pull list.

Story: A.C. Medina Art: Kevin Shah
Story: 9.5 Art: 10.0 Overall: 9.75 Recommendation: Buy

Scout Comics provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review.