We’re not sorry that we tricked you.*
So…turns out it was Deveraux who stole the idol, busted it open, and gazed into the blade on the previous page. As I’m writing this, I get the feeling that some of you out there are feeling bamboozled, and perhaps a bit irked that we would pull such a blatant bait-and-switch and toy with your emotions so callously. Well, sorry, but that was the whole FRICKIN’ point!
When we plotted out this scene the gag with McGinty’s reflection in the blade was not part of the original plan. However, when I was scripting and fumbling around for a cliffhanger the idea for this little trick came to me and it was just too good to pass up for two reasons…
1. With the page a week format, the prospect that McGinty might somehow be alive would hang out there all week and cause all types of speculation.
2. And, once it is revealed that it was actually Deveraux holding the blade the illusion of McGinty’s reflection in the blade makes perfect sense within the context of the story. Whether it is a grief-stricken hallucination or an actual ghostly appearance by the late, great Scottish brute, I’ll leave up for speculation.
In addition to the aforementioned chicanery, I also just really like this page. Smilton’s art is fantastic, and the tense confrontation between Joe and Deveraux is some of our best writing yet, I think. And, I LOVE that we got a moment where Deveraux – the Daredevils’ resident ladies man – gets to give Joe a little pre-marital advice (which the Old Sarge called, BTW)!
Be here NEXT WEEK, when we switch gears and catch up with DOC! What will his role be in the second half of End(s) of the Earth(s) now that Joe’s predicament has forced his hand? Also, prepare to be WOWED by yet another beautiful vista illustrated by Smilton!
But FIRST, I would highly recommend that you head over to the newly minted blog of commenter-extraordinaire, Timothy Cramer. His first article is titled, DARING TO DIVE INTO THE DEEP AND THE DARK and it is an in-depth examination of the plot of Pitch Black Day! If you follow Timothy’s comments here then you know that his analysis is spot-on, insightful, and informative, and now that he is writing full-length articles it is even more so. Check it out!
Anyways, till next week!
-Matt-
*If you recognize this reference then we are probably homies for life.
Classy Deveraux is classy.
Well done!
In retrospect, you did give us at least 1 other clue that it was not McGinty, as the silhouette 2 pages back, is surely too slim to me the portly McGinty.
Deveraux’s past, recent loss, and recent actions, should have made him more of a prime suspect. I just assumed it was an islander, who stole the Idol, because I don’t like (or trust) the Shaman, and the Native Engineer seems like he is hiding something…
As for just what Deveraux is doing, with the knife, my instinct says to trust him because he said that he is doing it for McGinty but (if that is true) why wouldn’t he have enlisted Joe’s aid, or the aid of any other member of the crew? The easiest way to earn trust is to give it.
I think I will give him the benefit of the doubt, as McGinty saw some good in him, and I will trust the big man’s judgment.
Oh, and if he was just a thief, why not steel the gold from the Idol as well, it is worth a fortune?
Lots of good points here, T. Gatto.
I think it is safe to say that there is definitely more than just theft on Deveraux’s agenda. He’s a man on a mission…
Well, I’ll be jiggered! Gotta say, he speaks the truth- when a woman LIKES what she’s getting, she will come back for MORE!
the Old (and HIGHLY amused) Sgt.
THAT WAS McGINTY!!! The Cajun has NO moustache, the REFLECTION DOES!!!
I think he sees himself as being on a mission for McGinty, thus he is somehow an extention of his friend.
That or he feels really guilty.
or Both…
Unless the blade shows you whats on your mind/heart. If D is heavy with grief over his friend….then that might explain the reflection though not why the blade is locked up in a statue that’s not exactly made of gold.
Love the speculation here, guys.
Suffice it to say, this page and the one previous have HUGE implications on future events.
A) I feel really clever because I was the only one who knew that Deveraux stole the idol. Even if I didn’t expect the fascinating story that seems to lurk behind it in the shadow. I knew who was coming, but you surprised me with what was coming.
B) I feel really stupid because I didn’t recognize McGinty in the mirror image, and thought that Deveraux had grown a mustache. I blame my device for not showing the red color bright enough, but it was really my preconceived notion A) that made me overlook the obvious.
Not sure if this is what they call a balanced view?
BTW, thank you for your endorsement of my blog, means a lot to me.