‘Rivers of London: Monday Monday #3’ Review
Written by Ben Aaronovitch, Andrew Cartmel | Art by Jose Maria Beroy | Published by Titan Comics
So we’ve reached issue 3 of this particular story arc and it’s all been a little different to normal. I hate to use the word ‘disjointed’, but the jumping around between different characters and different points of view at different times but all on the same main case has at times got a tad confusing. I am also detecting now in the writing that very little effort is being made to help newer readers, the assumption being that if you are reading the comic you are probably familiar with the books. I am reasonably up on things, but even I struggle here and there, and there are no recaps at the beginning either. Fine for the established fan of course, but always a good idea to try and bring new readers in.
So after last issues entertaining Nightingale spotlight, we move over to Peter. Peter’s been rather busy himself, now the proud father of 3 month old twins. Did I say proud, I meant tired. These being his and Beverley’s twins, you have to assume they’ll be more trouble than the average young children, but I’m sure that’s a story for another day. For now, Peter’s going back to work, and Beverley’s arranged magical protection for the kids while he’s away. As a precaution. None of this of course has anything to do with the previous two issues, but has a lot to do with the events of the books. Where this story and our main story do connect, is where Peter is heading.
Peter is on the case investigating the werewolf that Nightingale and his police magic students dealt with last issue. He starts at hospital speaking to a witness, and manages to identify a particular magical glyph that bears further investigation. Time to head off to Camden Lock for some help. Not to the conventional market and stalls of course, but the underground goblin market. Must have missed that when I went. The market doesn’t reveal much, beyond proving non-magic using police are a tad out of their depth there. One chat to Billy, the boy in custody back kin the station, and Peter finds a secret hideaway of sorts. We also find out why Nightingale is babysitting Peter’s twins at the end of last issue.
If you’ve been paying attention across these issues you can see where each issue intersects with the others, as each characters stories criss cross in a Pulp Fiction way, shown from each characters viewpoint. This is of course the classic ‘Rashomon’ trope, beloved of film and comics writers. The stakeout works, and they find their suspect. Quite easily too, as he fell over the side of the building and broke his leg trying to run away. Heh. As he’s carted off to hospital, Peter gets bad news. Just like that, the tone of quite the lighthearted story takes an unexpected turn. Peter’s father has had a heart attack and, being not the youngest, it’s not looking good. Peter’s left, despite his abilities and powers, feeling as helpless as any of us would.
Another mixed bag of an issue. I like the clever way the issues intertwine, but as mentioned before it can be a little confusing at times. No complaints with the quality of the writing or art of course, always top notch and always worth the price of entry. More and more though it is a book for the established fan. You wouldn’t have a clue if you just picked up this issue and read it stand alone. With this storyline, and in particular this issue, there have been elements that are not quite working for me for some reason, but that could be because this book has been at such a high standard for so long. Time will tell.
One thing is certain, Peter’s got some huge personal issues to address next issue.
