By Dustin Cabeal

Fear not, there’s a review for the second issue of Sink coming, but as the creator and writer John Lees informed me, each issue of Sink is standalone. It’s all tied together in the same world, but they’re standalone stories depicting different dark aspects of this one hellish town. I will say this, don’t get in the van. The comic will tell you to get in the van but don’t you fucking dare. No one wants to get into that thing.

The third issue is extremely interesting. It essentially asks the following question: Is the baddest and meanest man on the block still the baddest and meanest if he transitions to a woman? First and foremost, Lees handles this subject with the utmost respect. Which is nuts because if you’ve read the first two issues of Sink, then you should be afraid of just about everyone appearing in this comic.

That’s all you need to know about the issue; the rest speaks for itself. Lees’ writing continues to be sharp and brilliant. When Florence makes her presence known at one point, it is an incredible bit of dialogue that is both natural and intimidating. The character work Lees does with just one issue is tremendous. We’re finding Florence at the end of her journey, and the outcome of the story will determine if she’s able to fully accept herself more than if the people that used to respect and fear her can accept her.

This story doesn’t work if it’s not Alex Cormack’s artwork. His art is vibrant, dark and gritty. I know “gritty” gets used way too much in comics, but Cormack’s artwork is the purest form of grit I can think of as an example. He too handles Florence with care, never making it a joke or a gag to look at her character. What was just truly striking and spoke wonders for her character were the scars. It was visually powerful, but not because it showed how tough she was as a man, but because of the reminder, they cared for her as a woman. The visuals are what elevate to this from a great story to an insanely brilliant classic. Frankly, I'm surprised that the bigger publishers aren't trying to gobble up both of these talents, but that's just a side thought.

If you’re not paying attention to Sink then perhaps you should get in the van. Sink remains one of the best series I’ve read all year and will likely be a series that I revisit over and over. It’s a scary look at humanity and the depths some people will sink to; it’s frightening in a way that makes House of a 1,000 Corpses look timid. It’s a world that you love, but one that you’d never want to visit.

Score: 5/5

Sink #3
Story: John Lees
Art & Colors: Alex Cormack
Letters: Shawn Lee
Publisher: ComixTribe