Resident Alien vol. 7: The Book of Love

Vol. 6 certainly felt like the end of this series, and writer Peter Hogan acknowledges that in his foreword to this volume.  He also notes that there was still business to wrap up, specifically involving the will-they-or-won’t-they tension between Dr. Harry Vanderspiegle and his nurse friend Asta.  With a title like “The Book of Love” it’s probably not spoiling much to say that “they will” and a good portion of this volume is dedicated to chronicling their cute yet predictable courtship.  Which takes place alongside the usual small-town business in Patience which ranges from the mundane – Ethan having to deal with his boyfriend Calude’s clinginess – the mysterious – Ellen’s efforts to uncover shady business at a retirement home – to the dangerous – criminals from Download’s past showing up to get the money they owe from him.

You could take issue that Hogan and artist Steve Parkhouse have undid a perfectly acceptable ending for their series, or just enjoy the fact that we’ve got another quality volume of “Resident Alien” in our hands now.  The creators do a good job of creating a small-town community that feels insular yet quirky and with characters that feel lived-in and relatable.  It also helps that the storylines present in this volume aren’t as predictable as you’d thing and also have enough character to keep them interesting throughout.  Particularly with Harry and Asta’s relationship as we get a last page surprise along with the announcement that vol. 8 will be called “The Book of Life.”  I’ll be back for that, most assuredly.