Cerebus #37

This issue has the start of the convention. Cerebus ends up drawing pictures for a bunch of delegates and appears to be a big hit. Bran McMuffin also shows up and suggests that Cerebus should consider becoming Prime Minister. There's also further strife between Astoria and Cerebus.

This was a really great issue. Again, I was shocked when the issue came to an end because the story was just that good. Cerebus kind of embraces being an artist and even comments that Elrod probably does a terrible tree. It was interesting to see him be annoyed at the delegates at first but kind of settles into entertaining them as time progresses.

Next issue we should find out if Cerebus gets to keep his job or not.

Until next time!

Cerebus #36

Jaka returns in this issue. Cerebus reveals that he remembers when he was in love with her now. You see a very different side of Cerebus in this issue as he shows genuine concern for the well being of Jaka. She spent her life's savings on an antique and leaves it with Cerebus. Cerebus opens the package to reveal his old sword.

This was a pretty emotional issue as Jaka and Cerebus has out their history with each other. Cerebus puts on a proud face but at the final moment you see his true feelings for Jaka. It's a sad moment as they part yet again and you feel that Cerebus' pride cost him the woman that he can't quite admit that he loves. This issue really shows how Cerebus has kind of lost his way in the political realm.

This was a really great issue. The final page came and I was absolutely shocked that I had read an entire issue. Out of the 36 Cerebus issues I've read so far, this was easily the best issue to date. It was powerful and emotional. There was a panel where they're both silent and looking away from each other and it was just an awesome scene to look at. I think the book has hit it's creative peak with this issue. I am extremely excited to read the next issue now.

Until next time!

Cerebus #35

This issue deals with the political movings of Astoria and her general ambitions for Cerebus in the world of Iest's politics. Lord Julius shows up during dinner and talks with Cerebus before heading off. The name of the game right now is keeping Cerebus as the ranking diplomat and not Elrod.

There's a little character moment with Astoria here. Lord Julius pops up as a waiter while Astoria is discussing him. Cerebus questions this and Julius says that Astoria would never notice a waiter. That really sums up the Astoria character in a single sentence. That's one of the things that make these early issues of Cerebus so good. Sim can build a character so easily and explain a character's base concept so easily. I think this issue also shows, that for as clever as Astoria thinks she is, she's still not playing on the same level as Lord Julius.

I've said it before on this blog and I'll repeat it here. Lord Julius is the smartest character in this book. There's no question to that. He proves that he's always a step or two ahead of every other character in any given situation. He's never at a loss and he never really loses. That's a key fact to keep in mind throughout this series.

Until next time!

Cerebus #34

Cerebus tries his hardest to stay out of trouble with Elrod, the Roach and Bran McMuffin lurking around the area. This issue reveals that Elrod is a very popular figure in Iest. Past that, Astoria is up to something but the book hasn't quite revealed what she's up to yet. The issue ends with Cerebus being invited to one of Lord Julius' parties. Elrod is going to be named the next ranking diplomat to Iest.

The stuff with Elrod and the Roach were pretty funny. Cerebus desperately trying to stay out of trouble was a good premise for this issue as well. Past that, the book has really slowed down and 20 pages at a time can see not a lot happen like in this issue. It's interesting every time out. I don't really have a lot to comment on this issue. It was good but a little uneventful.

Until next time!

Cerebus #33

The Moon Roach goes off half cocked and kills someone he shouldn't. Meanwhile the Regency Elf taunts Cerebus in here anger. Cerebus and Astoria argue a lot in this issue before she leaves for the legislature. Elrod arrives in typical Elrod fashion as the issue comes to a close.

This was a Moon Roach centric issue for the most part. You get his reaction to finding Astoria and Cerebus in a bit of an awkward situation and then you get a long winded monologue from the Roach before he kills some random people. The Roach continues to be a huge bright spot in the series as he always brings the funny. This issue also had the added bonus of the Regency Elf advertising that Cerebus pees in the sink. Cerebus protested a little too much about his ability to use a toilet if you ask me.

The storytelling in the series has really changed over the last 7 issues. Things have really started going at a slower pace. Sim seems to be comfortable just taking his time to tell this story instead of the quicker 2-3 issue arcs that came before this. He's really exploring this story in a way that you don't see a lot of comic creators do. There's still a lot left to High Society but each issue just makes the story more interesting and a little better.

My memories are a little fuzzy of what happens throughout these issues but I've really been enjoying reading through these issues again. I've been doing this for about a month now and I've really gotten into a flow of reading these issues. It's been really fun to revisit the Cerebus world like this.

Until next time!

Cerebus #32

Astoria arrives in Cerebus' room and helps him escape his debt with Iest. Astoria tells Cerebus that she plans to make him a very rich aardvark. Astoria goes to work but it's kept as a bit of a secret what exactly she's doing. It is revealed that the Moon Roach is assassinating members of the government at Astoria's command during one of her conversations with Cerebus. A mysterious package arrives and the Inquisition arrives looking for drug. Astoria quickly destroys the drugs and the Inquisition leaves. A now high Astoria puts the moves on Cerebus when the Moon Roach arrives to find them together.

A really good issue here. This issue is where things really start to develop for this story arc. Astoria is going to be the big pusher of Cerebus during the High Society story. She eventually becomes his campaign manager as he eyes public office. This issue also shows that Cerebus has a lot to learn about the political world of Iest and Palnu.

Until next time!

Cerebus #31

Cerebus meets Astoria after the Moon Roach killed Hadden. This issue features a lot of ranting and raving from Cerebus as the Roach's actions have gotten him into even more trouble with the local government. Cerebus decides he needs more money as the Elf laughs at his puffy afro from being in the rain.

I gave me views on how awesome the Moon Roach was yesterday. You get some of his origin here and some inner monologue which was all good. You also meet Astoria who is a huge deal throughout the rest of this story. She becomes one of the prime movers as this story starts to unfold. Pretty humble beginnings for her in this issue.

This was a strong issue. It pushed the story forward in every way imaginable. Cerebus' situation is getting worse with each issue that passes now and his back is pretty much against the wall.

Until next time!