Start Again #3, Reviewed. He's Nailed It Once Again.

Have you been furiously stalking Kickstarter and Jamie Me's social media to a point that has begun to worry you? Yeah me too but boy did it pay off.

With art, the third part of anything can make or break you. “The difficult third album”, that third season of your favourite program - it's almost a universal law. So how does Jamie Me, Neri Rearte and Archie Dait fair with Start Again issue three? Well, they nailed it. Better than a professional nailer using their favourite hammer on an oversized head, while using a red dot sight and a high powered magnet for extra accuracy. Yeah very much nailed. Start Again, I will unashamedly exclaim is, without doubt, the most refreshing comic series I can recall. It’s unique, it asks great questions, it makes you think, it's engrossing. Its richness and depth rival a mount Kilimanjaro sized Tiramisu. It's something very special.

So, in keeping with my mental health's requirement for sustained structure, let’s start with the art. This issue sees artist Neri Rearte take the reigns for both art and colours. Unfortunately, Toni Doya had to bow out due to issues outside of comics so positive thoughts and love for Toni. Luckily Neri is more than adequately talented enough to continue this series. Neri does a superb job of maintaining this universe. The transition is seamless and made even more so by how the narrative plays. Neri continues to develop an instantly recognisable universe. It’s very familiar aesthetic works expertly and still holds an individualistic quality. For me, the difference is a subtle one in style. I saw it as Toni having a more “classic” pop art style compared to Neris softer new age lines. Not better or worse, just a small difference. Neri's colours are equally accomplished. In particular, there's a green lightning effect and illumination of a certain redhead which I found distinctly interesting amongst this fully accomplished art.

So with the art still firing on all cylinders, I am ecstatic to share that Jamie Me is continuing to dish out sublime storytelling. Jamie maintains a perfect balance of answered questions and new revelations. This issue sees some extended superhero moments. Probably the most and certainly the most “classical” superhero moments of the series so far. I think that like in the previous reviews for this series (if you've not done so already, check out the Start Again #1 review & the Start Again #2 review), to identify some of the questions and answers raised is an ideal vehicle for the least spoilers.

Firstly though let's look at the outline as continued from the previous review. James continues his narration which finds Ajay and Natalie settling into their new life on the run. We learn of Ajay's pragmatic human side while visions of the redhead continue to disturb him. Ajay and Natalie continue to connect physically and emotionally forming a beautiful human relationship. It’s Ajay's “opening” up that really starts to throw up those new questions and answers. So hold on tight. What is Ajay's plan? To just disappear? What is the fucking deal with the redhead? But wait, she’s who? Well, a name is a start and at least we sort of understand Icarus. However, there is a lot more to Icarus, clearly. What are its consequences? Who is Defender? What really happened to him? WOW, the redhead is a badass! What are the different levels of a superhero? Who wants to see Ajay and why? Is that James !!?!! Is the home of Leeds United about to be the stage for a dramatic confrontation? Let's hope they win promotion first. Finally, who is arriving in the city? I mean you’ll know it when you see it, but still, talk about adding a piece to the table. Clearly we are being built up for an explosive next chapter. This series has left me like Charlie Day in “It’s Always Sunny…” you know the Pepe Silva scene. Truly engrossed. Maybe Fanatical. Certainly enjoying the ride.

Start Again issue three continues to build the quality of this story. It continues to be accomplished in it’s appeal to all adult fans of comics, while also making me seriously reconsider my review score system. Start Again is the British comic to have on your shelf physically and mentally.

The Start Again universe is growing next with Start Again Stories #2 (look out for a review of issue 1 soon) which should be available on Kickstarter in August 2020. So very soon will be a perfect opportunity to jump on board this super brilliant series if you're not already invested. To keep yourself up to date though, seek out Jamie Me on Kickstarter but also keep a strong eye on his social media:

• Instagram- instagram.com/jamiemewrites
• Twitter- twitter.com/Jamiemewrites
• Facebook- facebook.com/Jamiemewrites

Review 5+/5