Uncanny #3
Written by Andy Diggle
Illustrated by Aaron Campbell
Colored by Bill Crabtree
Lettered by Simon Bowland
Covers by Sean Phillips and Dan Panosian
Dynamite Entertainment
Release Date: August 28, 2013
Cover Price: $3.99

“There are others like you. Edge cases. Living on the fringes, hiding in the shadows…afraid to show their abilities.”

If you had a super power, would you hide it? Would you use it to benefit others or for personal gain? In Uncanny #3 written by Andy Diggle and illustrated by Aaron Campbell, Dominic Weaver begins to realize that no matter what you choose to do with your powers, others will always seek to exploit them, because everything comes with a price tag.

Weaver has just escaped Lee’s men and witnessed Maggie — his rescuer — heal from a gunshot wound within a matter of minutes. Now, the two are on a private jet headed to New York to meet Maggie’s employer, Deacon Styles. It turns out that Styles recruits “Actives” — those with unique skill sets caused by genetic abnormalities — for certain jobs. Styles has a special interest in Weaver for his capability to gain other’s abilities and knowledge by making skin-to-skin contact by means of hand touching. He explains to Weaver that there is a powerful organization known as Cadre that has discovered how to reproduce Active DNA with the mindset of using Actives as weapons. Weaver and Maggie have been enlisted for a very important reason, and are offered a large sum of money if they choose to accept, but it will be dangerous; and what exactly are Styles’ motives?

Diggle’s story just keeps getting better and better. With each issue, he’s provided more plot and character development while at the same time introducing new and mysterious players to the international, super-powered intrigue of the story. Uncanny #3 in particular has answered questions that I’ve had since the first two issues while opening new and exciting doors, keeping me engaged and eager for the next installment.

Campbell adds grit and realism to Uncanny with his illustrations. The comic is imbued with strong shading and dark colors that tap into the enigmatic feel of the story. He includes mannerisms, interactions, and facial expressions to his characters that fit perfectly with how Diggle writes them.

Uncanny #3 is less action and more talk, but just as much fun as its previous two issues. This series has so much potential and I sincerely hope that it has a long and — dare I say it — active run.