This is one of my favorite ongoing series, and Volume 4 entitled Sasquatch is no exception to the previously established excellence!
We finally discover exactly how President Jefferson procured the skull of the Sasquatch which served as the impetus for Lewis and Clark’s true mission westward. That epiphany alone makes this book completely worth the cover price!
This collection is divided into two story lines. The first follows Captain Helm and his expedition as they traveled west before Lewis and Clark. They soon encounter the brutal winter as well as the enigmatic Sasquatch. Helm is bedeviled by an otherworldly entity, and it’s not Bigfoot. If you’ve been reading the series, you know the mysterious arches often serve as a signpost to the supernatural. Helm is drawn to the source of those arches, and it’s not for the faint of heart.
The other story line picks up with Lewis and Clark. They are literally following in Helm’s footsteps and reaping what he has sown. That’s not a good thing. Death awaits them at every turn, and it’s not always from the things that go bump in the night.
As always, Matthew Roberts’ art is magnificent. This title always flirts a bit with the horror genre, and Roberts’ definitely got to display his special talent for all things gory. Seriously, this collection is particularly gross. I mean that as a total compliment.
Chris Dingess continues to deliver a really tight plot that is beginning to align in ways I never expected. His dialogue and characterization is consistent, and while I wouldn’t go so far as to call this title “historical fiction,” he certainly did his research regarding Lewis, Clark, Sacagawea and their seminal journey.
Manifest Destiny is exciting, well-written, and expertly drawn with phenomenal color. I absolutely recommend this title. You’ll never look at Lewis and Clark the same!
SCOTT WILLIAM FOLEY 