If it weren’t for the art from John McCrea and Keith Burns, Highland Laddie–the first issue anyway–would be the best Boys in a year or so. Even with it, the issue shows off Ennis’s actual writing abilities, not how many jokes he can make about superheroes.
Hughie goes back home to Scotland, reuniting with his mother and father and his mates. Ennis doesn’t exactly give a look into what Hughie was like before The Boys, but he definitely is setting up a place where Hughie can take the lead.
There’s some humor, but Ennis plays it more for a smile than an actual laugh. He’s taking his time and having fun.
Unfortunately, the art’s a mess. It’s too rushed, which is especially obvious when Burns gives up on even inking in eyeballs. One panel the characters have them, the next it’s Bill Watterson.
Ennis’s script makes it work.
CREDITS
The Harbour at the World’s End; writer, Garth Ennis; artists, John McCrea and Keith Burns; colorist, Tony Aviña; letterer, Simon Bowland; editor, Joseph Rybandt; publisher, Dynamite Entertainment.
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