Two Maxxes? For serious? I love the origin of his mask, of him, and of the Outback. You feel like you're getting answers, even though the answers just bring more questions. And, of course, when is Gone ever really gone? ( )

As with all the Maxx comics so far, I LOVE the art, but the story doesn't really blow me away. I do like it's originality and the idea of it, but it just doesn't really grab me. ( )

New stuff at last! ...Oh, Julie. ( )

If I had to pick one favorite comic it would be the Maxx. This series started out as Sam Kieth and William Messer-Loebs contribution to the newly created Image Comics line started by a bunch of disgruntled comics all stars (mainly disgruntled from Marvel Comics), the Maxx was pretty much your basic superhero fair. Sometimes Amnesiac Maxx is the purple clad, yellow claw waving, sharp-toothed mask-wearing protector of Julie Winters, a freelance social worker with a chip on her shoulder and a love for Camille Paglia posters. Pretty soon Julie's Friends daughter Sarah becomes part of the mix as the three encounter an existential evil villain Mr. Gone and his legion of iz, little black blobs that are all feet and teeth. Like I said, superhero vs. villain to protect helpless woman, yada yada yada. But as the series picks up steam Kieth and Loebs take the comic in a completely different direction, as it becomes apparent that most of the characters are either acting out other character's dream worlds or man not exist at all.

My only complaint with the series is that it begins to fall apart towards issue 28 or so as Kieth struggles with the direction and meaning of the story. He is also obviously tired of the same characters as he continuously leaves the story completely behind to tell unrelated side stories, which are all just as good, but beside the point. Because of this the comic sort of abruptly comes to an end at issue 35.

Keith's art style, though hard for some to warm to immediately, is intricate and varied as he mixes brushed ink work, watercolor and paints to create a very visually appealing comic. ( )