Reed, Sterling, and Starla pursue the dastardly Mr. Picks across the country in order to stop him from using the monsters he captured last issue as part of an evil plan. Secrets are revealed involving the idol Reed removed from the cave (also last issue), and a mysterious new figure with a talking horse skull arrives revealing that there is more to Sterling than meets the eye including…a last name! Finally, Reed, Sterling, and Starla face the threat of a super spooky John Henry zombie!

Shane and Chris Houghton’s Reed Gunther series is simply getting better with each passing issue. Chris’ art remains a wonderful mix of slapstick humor and spooky creepiness (the John Henry zombie is perhaps his most interestingly visual character thus far), even though he moves away from the grey shading that he made use of last issue to great effect. The abandonment of the shading makes sense though since most of last issue was spent in the shadows and darkness of underground caves and this issue takes place outside in the blazing sun for the most part. The sharp contrast between black and white reflects the shift in the setting. The strength of Chris’ art is readily apparent. What makes issue #3 of Reed Gunther stand out amongst the three issues published thus far is the growing intricacy and maturity of the story.

The mysterious new guy...

While Reed Gunther is definitely still an all ages friendly, spooky cowboy comedy with a hint of an edge to it, with issue #3 it begins to develop into a bit of a mystery tale as well. Hints are dropped concerning Sterling’s background, and a particularly mysterious and interesting character shows up. The story behind the mysterious idol Reed is dragging cross country and the weird monsters, giant snakes, and John Henry zombie encountered thus far is slowly and smartly being revealed bit by bit as tantalizing new clues are dropped. Series writer and co-creator Shane Houghton is crafting a story worth sticking around for to go with his brother’s great art. It’s the type of story that has enough hooks and hints to lasso readers into wanting more. Great art and a story that makes readers anxious for next issue’s developments are the two main components of a winning comic book, and Reed Gunther is displaying both right now. The fact that the book is so much fun and funny at the same time is simply gravy to go with the “steak and beans.”

Overall, this quality of storytelling, art, and just plain fun is often hard to find amongst smaller run, lighthearted, “indie” comics. The Brothers Houghton have something special on their hands with Reed Gunther. These guys are definitely two young creators worth keeping an eye on.