Morning Glories #23

Written by Nick Spencer
Art by Joe Eisma

I'm not uncomfortable admitting that I no longer have much of a clue as to what's going on in Morning Glories.  Nick Spencer's excellent series about a group of children who have been sent to a very strange, probably evil, secret school, has become very convoluted and confusing, especially for someone who is reading it in it's (not quite) monthly comics form, as there are way too many plot threads to keep track of from issue to issue.

I don't care though, because this book is still great, even when it's just way too confusing.

Hisao (who we know as Jun) is angry with Irina for her treatment of Hunter and her decision to leave his brother Jun (who we know as Hisao) to be a sacrifice to something.  We have learned that Hisao/Jun used to be a part of Irina's group, but we're still not very clear as to what their mission is.  Meanwhile, Fortunato and Akiko, other members of Irina's group, have made their way to Jun/Hisao's sacrifice, and witness first hand what goes on there (the cover is a hint).

We are also shown some flashbacks to a point two years previous when Irina's group made their first move against the Headmaster of the Academy.  It's these scenes that are among the most confusing, as it's hard to be clear on just what the kids are trying to accomplish (and because I have a hard time distinguishing between Akiko and Irina).  Also, we check in on Ike and Jade, who were last seen still playing the Woodrun game (I think - it's been a while).

This is a very solid issue, despite all the confusion.  Spencer has a great handle on each kid's personality and character, and in a lot of ways, it's just fun to sit back and watch them all interact.  Joe Eisma's art is always wonderful.