Elephantmen #18

Written by Richard Starkings
Art by Marian Churchland

This issue goes a long way towards redeeming this title after last issue's Mrs. Magoo and Tusk team-up fiasco. In this issue, the spotlight is on Miki, who is dealing with the unintended consequences of a one-night stand.

This issue digs a little deeper into her relationship with Hip Flask, and how the hippo was seen in Egyptian mythology. It's an interesting story, and Starkings has done his research.

The best part of this issue though has to be the artwork of Marian Churchland. The comic was done in marker, and has a very soft palette to it, which suits Miki's personality perfectly. I feel like Churchland is going to be a major talent, and I'm thankful Starkings gave her this opportunity to shine.

My only real complaint about this book is the hideous, mid-90s Image girl front cover by J. Scott Campbell. I don't understand how, in a comic intended to add complexity and depth to a character like Miki, the front cover has to display her as an objectified porn star hanging from gymnastics rings just so her boobs would stick out even further. I've never understood the appeal of Campbell as an artist, and this cover almost caused me to skip this issue completely (thankfully, the back cover, shown above, was by Churchland and saved the purchase).