Think you know the story of Jack and the Beanstalk? Think again. The chief satire of 2022 enters 2023 with its third issue. The richest animal on the planet is still missing, mercenaries are on its tail (with limited success) but they’re also catching up on journalist Shelly Bly who finds herself on trial in what’s left of the crumbling societal remains of Billionaire Island. As always, AHOY brings not only the main chapter but two extras, this time prose stories by Carol Lay and Kirk Vanderbeek.
The Good
What makes satire good isn’t just how funny or potent it is, but rather how aptly it can be used in a story. There’s a reason that fake news headlines aren’t funny when they’re so true to life that you could easily mistake them for true. But if that satire is used in a story effectively it can comment on something while making the reader laugh and think rather than just feeling miserable.
There is a reason Mark Russell is a celebrated writer. This month, Billionaire Island takes aim at “the truth.” In a world of blue ticks, echo chambers and alternative facts, it can be incredibly easy to not only believe something that isn’t true but actively cut yourself off from a reality you’re not wanting to confront. This issue looks at this through clever metaphor, but it’s funny too.
On top of this, it’s not just a clever comic but an engaging one. The reader has reason to care about Shelly Bly whilst the satire exists. Without characters readers can care for, satire could be distilled into a tweet. Another thing a tweet can’t do however, is look this good. Steve Pugh’s artwork continues to polish Russell’s script. Together they’ve created a book worth reading every week and bothering your friends to read too.
The ‘Bad’
Last time the only negative that could be reached was that the story progressed too slowly. Perhaps some people are impatient, but this issue ratchets up the tension and stakes. Everything’s rolling now to the point that the story itself has sold interest in the next issue, not just Russell and Pugh’s pedigree.
The Verdict
Billionaire Island: Cult of Dogs #3 takes the ball that was already rolling and launches it across the park. AHOY usually has the books you ought to tell your friends about, but this is entering can’t-miss territory. An entertaining issue with extras that make the price a steal.
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