Kill Whitey Donovan #3 Review

Written by: Sydney Duncan
Art & Colors by: Natalie Barahona
Lettered by: Troy Peteri 
Published by: Dark Horse Comics

This is a revenge story taking place during the era of the American Civil War. But, after a series of unfortunate events occurred, this has become a revenge story taking place in the middle of a battle of the American Civil War. Anna and Hattie now find themselves separated and in between two warring factions, but neither side holds the enemy they’re after. They’ll have to make it out of this fight alive if they want to kill Whitey Donovan (and they do).  

This issue starts with a flashback. I would normally be uncertain about that choice in any other comic, but I knew I had nothing to worry about because this comic has yet to steer me wrong. The time we look back on shows the betrothed Anna Hoyt on her way to becoming Anna Donovan. This is one of those “serving multiple purposes” scenes I’ve applauded this series for doing so well. In this one flashback, we get more context on the still uncertain events that took place and instilled the need for revenge in Anna’s heart. We see Anna’s, almost fairy tale, life that prepared her to play the role she tricked the Confederates with in the last issue. We also see Hattie’s previous role, how her personality was subtlety displayed, and the relationship she had with Anna. In that scene, there's also a character introduced that becomes more pivotal later. Being able to execute all of that in a few pages was spectacular scripting. 

In the present day, the Civil War has found its way into the middle of Anna and Hattie’s journey. The reaction Anna has to the scenes are given a new lens since we were just given a look into the life she was accustomed to not too long ago. Her culture shock comes into play multiple times in the issue and wraps around with the question from the first issue about if all of this is truly in her nature. The pivotal character from the flashback is re-introduced and both times we see him it is immediately clear he presents a serious threat. As Anna and Hattie go through this roadblock, they aren’t just shown succeeding they are shown with faults also (as in previous issues). This not only adds believability and relatability, but it makes you want to see them achieve their goals even more. They fight with all their heart and sometimes they stumble, but they stay motivated. It also adds a nerve-racking intensity to the already amazing drama in the story. There were multiple times where I literally (I use this word literally) gasped and pleaded aloud for the characters. And, just like the other issues, this “out of the frying pan into the fire” ending had me utterly anticipating the next installment.

The style of art gives the world and its characters a completely palpable atmosphere. I love how uniquely its own the art is. It dictates the way I read the characters voices, view their expressions, feel the action, and imagine the world. The colors, especially in this issue, create a mood that feels like a movie’s score with the way it enhances the emotion in a scene. The opening scenes had luxurious visual elements and colors that felt nostalgic. The chaotic present-day scenes felt glum and gritty. And, the shots of the new threatening character were bone-chilling. The later scenes had that great sense of movement and the panel layouts have made the reading fluid with their neat execution. At times the layouts feel cinematic and at times they feel full of depth.

It’s now safe to say, this is my favorite comic on stands right now. The story is pitch-perfect with what it attempts and has me completely invested in the characters. The art creates an atmosphere that makes the opening of this book feel like diving into another world. This is great fiction. I can’t say any more than that I recommend this comic to anyone who reads any kind of book, and I can’t wait to see what’s next and hope the creators work on more books in the future.