REVIEW: Manifest Destiny #26

Writer: Chris Dingess
Pencils: Matthew Roberts
Inks: Tony Akins & Stefano Gaudiano
Colors: Owen Gieni
Review: Art Bee

To all of our HCB readers, we apologize. For the past couple years Manifest Destiny has made it on the list of Hammy Award winners, but none of us have had the balls to write a review of this amazing series. This trend ends today.

The first issue of Manifest Destiny hit comic book store shelves November 13, 2013. When it came out, it did not even register on my radar. My LCBS owner told me about it and convinced me to give it a read with the promise of a refund if I didn’t like it. It was love at first read. Chris Dingess has cleverly used a real historical event as the muse for this epic fantastical story of a cross-continental journey.

Since the start of the series, Lewis, Clark, and their ragtag group of “soldiers” have faced demon-like frogs, hostile natives, infectious plant life, and many other dangers. Some time ago Sacagawea joined the band as a guide and is currently pregnant. The last story arc was entitled “Sasquatch”; it was quite the event. The entire six issue arc was filled with large cycloptic beasts, insanity, cannibalism, and so much more. What really makes the series so addicting is the delicate blend of adventure and horror.      

Manifest Destiny #26 presents the Lewis and Clark coterie during the fallout of the “Sasquatch” fiasco. The comic starts out with one of the group, Burton, shooting two others under the claim they showed signs of being infected by the plants. Everyone in the fort begins to panic and take sides about how to handle the situation. Lewis sets out to meet with some of the natives to ask about infectious flora, but all they do is warn him of the fog. The fog . . .

On top of the amazing story telling, each issue’s artistry helps to bring it all to life. The artwork isn’t the best I have ever seen, but it is still very top shelf. The core team has been the same since the start of the series which helps add to their consistency. Each page has an immense amount of detail as well as an intriguing balance of color. Manifest Destiny has some of the most vivid backdrops I have ever encountered.

Manifest Destiny has been running strong for 26 issues, and I believe this series can go on as long as Mr. Dingess keeps the ideas flowing. Let’s face it. Lewis and Clark’s story doesn’t end until they reach the Pacific Ocean (or get back home). There can be a clear end to the series, but why would we want that?