Mister X: Eviction #1
Written by Dean Motter
Illustrated by Dean Motter
Colored by Bahrami and Motter
Lettered by Dean Motter
Cover by Dean Motter
Dark Horse Comics
Release Date: May 1, 2013
Cover Price: $3.99

In 1983, album and book cover designer Dean Motter introduced the world to the mysterious comic book hero, Mister X. The story is set in Radiant City, and in the original series, it is portrayed as a metropolis with major flaws in its architectural design that cause people to suffer various forms of psychoses. One of the first architects of the city, Mister X, sets out to fix the errors and protect the inhabitants. Returning to celebrate its 30th anniversary, Motter and Dark Horse have teamed up once again to create a brand new adventure for the trench coat wearing guardian in Mister X: Eviction.

Mister X: Eviction #1 introduces us to Rosey, an investigative reporter looking to uncover the truth behind the corrupt corporation Central’s plans to rebuild Radiant City with a new “psychetecture”””a design that will give them complete control over the citizen’s minds. Narrating the story through a conversation with a secretive piano man””who happens to look like a live mummy, bandaged completely from head to toe””we learn that the enigmatic Mister X is also investigating the pending atrocity, but believes that Rosey’s curiosity is alerting Central to his own progress. Believing that he has nowhere else to turn, Mister X convinces Mercedes, his ex-girlfriend, to hide essential information that he’s gathered; unfortunately, those he’s fighting against are closing in.

This is a fun story. Through his writing and illustration, Motter weaves together a Dick Tracy/Dark City type comic, combining excellent noir fiction with a morose, retro-futuristic feel. The subtle word structure immersed amongst the dialogue and narration plays out to the rhythm of a heavily accented 1920’s New York dialect””perfect! Motter supports his gloomy setting by creating an amalgamation of solid dark colors contrasted with hints of pastel, all the while envisioning a world where shadowy figures, robots and flying cars exist with your average citizens.

This was my first experience with Mister X, but it sure won’t be my last. I’m ready to engage with his world and relish in the experience. Mister X: Eviction #2 can’t come soon enough!