By Vance & Van Hamme
Publisher: Cinebook
ISBN: 978-1-84918-051-1
The reason this has been such a hit throughout Europe begins to become more apparent in this, the third volume of the XIII series. The plot, already entwined with several threads, adds yet another, while previous characters pop up to keep the other elements moving along. XIII, or Rowland (at least that's his name for a while in this volume), has been found guilty of the mass killing despite his innocence and has been moved to a maximum security facility for the criminally insane. Here he is subjected to electro-shock therapy and the taunts of Johansson who administers them. Meanwhile, back in Washington, it is becoming apparent that there may be some truth in Rowland's claims but enough mud has stuck for them to fear what aspects he may have done and what he could still be capable of. An investigation is begun in an attempt to find Rowland's true identity which does offer a tangible result.
At the prison Rowland is given reason to believe that somebody on the inside will make an attempt on his life. He knows this means his only course of action is to attempt an escape, but how do you do that from a maximum security prison?
A cracking pace, rip-roaring story and excellent art make this an exciting thriller, and it still promises much more. There's a bit of science – since seen in a Hollywood movie where it wasn't handled too cleverly – that perhaps worked better back in 1986 when this story was first told, but within that context it's entirely forgivable. The versatility of the creators now add a prison break tale to their expanding repertoire, and it's that ability to blend different genres so effortlessly (a trademark of Van Hamme's work) that promises to keep the story of XIII engaging until the end.
And if you liked that: Volume 4 is currently available
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