Lucifer: Volume 09 (2006)

Crux (2006)

Author: Mike Carey | Illustrators: Peter Gross / Ryan Kelly / Marc Hempel / Ronald Wimberly | Page Count: 168

"I walked on into chaos, and the earth beat like a heart beneath my feet."

Volume 09 of 11 in the Lucifer series. The dictionary definition of a 'crux' is 'a vital or decisive stage, point, etc. / a baffling problem or difficulty'. The Lucifer book embodies both of those things, for sure.

The first story kicks off with the politics of Hell once again in disarray. The current Duke of Gly plays a pivotal role in what direction it'll take. I didn't think Marc Hempel's art on the work was a good match for Mike Carey's words. The illustrator's cartoon styling lessens the severity of the situation. I liked his version of Gaudium, though, but I'd probably like Gaudium even if he was drawn by a five-year-old wearing a blindfold.

After that single issue the regular team of Gross and Kelly take over for the titular tale. Carey's ability to drop little things into the plot, things that through causality will escalate into giant things if left unchecked, makes the book more than exciting. While it's true that characters should be left to grow at their own pace, sometimes they need a little push.

A short interlude follows, full of contrasts and hard choices for a series regular. It runs concurrent with the Crux storyline. Guest artist Ronald Wimberly takes pen duties. His style is perfect for depicting what unfolds. I loved every purposeful line of it. From that point on, Crux kicks ass all the way to the very end. Lucifer is back to being essential reading again.

The book collects together Lucifer issues 55 – 61.

⊲  BOOK 08  ☆  BOOK 10  ⊳