Back in Noire

This book, the third volume of Peter David's epic Fallen Angel series, collects issues #11-16. Unlike the last volume, which was a good read but felt incomplete, this pushes the story forward in interesting ways. The book consists of two story arcs, the first of which has the Fallen Angel and her son Jude grappling with the city's supernatural drug problem in extremely different ways. The arc is personal favorite, as it introduces my favorite Fallen Angel character, Asia Minor, a cocky yet disarmingly charming drug lord who speaks in broken English. It's a more personal story than we've seen before, as it delves more into Liandra and Jude's personal motivations and if they value their own personal convictions over their sanity... and the results are definitely interesting. The second arc tells the story of Lin, the former guardian of Bete Noire. The first issue features her escape from a sort of limbo, and the second and third put her back in Bete Noire, where she and Dolf recount her story for the Fallen Angel and readers to enjoy. It was an interesting story, made all the more interesting by the behind the scenes stuff. Peter David, during the first Fallen Angel series over at DC comics, hinted at the idea that the Angel could be Linda Danvers, AKA Supergirl. The IDW series immediately made it clear that she wasn't, but this issue all but confirms that this character, Lin, is Danvers. The connection is truly interesting, as is the story. I would have liked if she stayed in Bete Noire, because it's hard not to get attached to a character after spending three issues with them, but I suppose Fallen Angel already does have an extremely solid supporting cast. All in all, another wonderfully horrific, funny, dark, and entertaining addition. 8/10