As his friends are blackballed from show business, the government turns up the heat on Snagglepuss, even as his play threatens to implode from within. But no matter how grave the threat, Snagglepuss lives by a single motto: the show must go on!

Writer Mark Russell continues to explore the life of Snagglepuss and the 50s in the second issue of Exit Stage Left: The Snagglepuss Chronicles. With a play that feels like it’s in chaos, Snagglepuss balances his job and his personal life and it’s that balance of the two that’s interesting. We get more than enough drama in both as life is juggled around.

While the professional life of Snagglepuss’ life is on display, more on that later, it’s Huckleberry Hound’s personal life that’s the tragedy of the issue. We learn of his reasons for running off to New York City and again the series focuses on the difficulties of being a gay individual during this time period. It’s tragic and heartfelt and honest in so many ways.

The political intrigue continues as well bringing up the rather conflicting nature of the time. On one hand you had a committee attempting to find “Communists and subversives” in entertainment while there was also a want in using those same individuals to battle against Communists using entertainment. Russell explores so much of the time and the tumultuous nature of it all.

Artist Mike Feehan again delivers in a style that just fits the topic of it all. The art is key in creating the world and taking what seems like is a silly concept and making it not so much. It also creates a lot of the emotion, especially with Huckleberry Hound and a particular scene in the play.

The issue also has a back-up of Sasquatch Detective which feels so off considering the lead in story. Written by Brandee Stillwell with art by Gus Vasquez I found myself asking more of “why” than anything else. A bunch of short scenes on comments, the story itself is an introduction to the character and concept without much to draw you in beyond that.

Snagglepuss continues to impress with a story that’s touching and explores a time period that feels so long ago. Russell weaves together drama with history to deliver a comic that’s entertaining and educational.

Story: Mark Russell, Brandee Stillwell Art: Mike Feehan, Mark Morales, Gus Vasquez
Cover: Ben Caldwell
Story: 9.0 Art: 9.0 Overall: 9.0 Recommendation: Buy

DC Comics provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review