If Mayor Hillard is covering up the grisly fate of a local farm family discovered by Sheriff Meadows and Sarah, there’s no time to find out, as the town of New Hope explodes when an odd stranger blows into town. Dust to Dust #3 pulls back the gory details while also keeping readers guessing.

Written by JG Jones and Phil Bram, Dust to Dust #3 is another excellent issue that’s haunting in so many ways. The story is a murder mystery but it’s set in a small town during the rather intriguing time of the Dust Bowl. There’s a level of detail to it that begs readers to linger on pages attempting to parse out every item for clues.

Jones and Bram really focus in on that with this issue as Sheriff Meadows and Sarah search the crime scene in an attempt to figure out what happened. Jones and Bram don’t hold back showing burnt bodies covered in dirt and grime teasing clues as to the crime committed. But, they duo expands the subjects by roping in the Mayor and more, all of whom have moments that leaves one pondering their connection to the murder and murderer.

What’s interesting about the series is not just its use of the Dust Bowl but also history in general. Sheriff Meadows and others are veterans of World War I, and each impacted in different ways. Readers are given great detail into that, all teasing and hinting how that’s connected to our story and the murders.

Jones’ art stands out and does not hold back. Burnt bodies are on full display as if teasing clues as to what happened. The imagery is haunting and will stick with readers exuding a sadness about it all. We witness the remains of individuals whose lives were uprooted and destroyed by nature and the folly of man. They were on their way to a new a better life but someone had other plans for them. Jackie Marzan’s lettering too adds to the overall feel of the comic emphasizing a cool, calm, and collected feel as well as the overall sadness.

Dust to Dust #3 is another fantastic issue of a series that’s a must for fans of murder mysteries. If you also enjoy history, the comic is delivering a style and experience that’s nothing like anything else currently on the shelf. It’s a story that you’ll want to go back and re-read to see what clues you might have missed while guessing who the killer might be.

Story: JG Jones, Phil Bram Art: JG Jones Letterer: Jackie Marzan
Story: 8.25 Art: 8.75 Overall: 8.4 Recommendation: Buy

Image Comics provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

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Purchase: Zeus Comics – Kindle

In the heart of the Great Depression, photojournalist Sarah and her two young charges are engulfed in a massive dust storm that threatens all of the residents of New Hope, leaving behind death and destruction. Dust to Dust #2 delivers another bleak issue that engulfs you within a dust storm and the danger lurking within.

Written by JG Jones and Phil Bram, Dust to Dust #2 continues an intense series that’s a slow burn like a good thriller. The period piece uses its Dust Bowl setting to its full extent not only delivering an issue full of threat and uncertainty but also a backdrop for destruction and death beyond nature.

At its heart, Dust to Dust #2 is a murder mystery slowly being revealed. There’s the story of a young girl who has gone missing and now some teeth found by an oil well. Mixed in is a photojournalist who’s job it is to raise awareness of what’s happening to the residents of New Hope, But Sarah delivers far more than photos, she’s our introduction to the people of the town painting a solemn picture of the residents and era. She helps create the setting and delivers the details far more than just images could. Through Sarah, we get a better idea of the sadness and desperation that seems to permeate the town of New Hope, all the while a rather ominous glad gathers beyond the dust rising to engulf its citizens.

The comic is near pitch perfect for the mood it presents which is thanks to Jones’ art and the lettering of Jackie Marzan. The comic’s colors and the general fear and small details of the dust create a tone that makes the comic feel like it’s a Sisyphean task of an existence. But, what’s interesting is that Jones’ art makes things rather bleak but at the same time it doesn’t cross into depressing and sad. Instead, there’s a rather hardy aspect to the people who endure against difficult odds.

Dust to Dust #2 is another fantastic issue. The art and story combine for a hell of a mood and setting delivering a familiar story in a way that feels fresh. The fact it can present such a harsh existence without the comic feeling like a chore itself is impressive. It’s a mix of great art and great storytelling.

Story: JG Jones, Phil Bram Art: JG Jones Letterer: Jackie Marzan
Story: 8.45 Art: 8.75 Overall: 8.6 Recommendation: Buy

Image Comics provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

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Purchase: Zeus Comics – Kindle