February 11, 2013
Several genres are blended within one story here, and at least two of them are very successful. Harry is a space alien who lives as a recluse on Earth. His isolation comes to an end when the town doctor in the rural area he chooses to live in is murdered and the police need another doctor to fill out the death certificate. Harry not only fulfills that request, but ends up subbing for the deceased doctor, navigating human society, and trying to solve the murder. The science fiction aspect works as a setup to the plot, rather than providing much meat, but it works well in this context and offers promise for future stories. The whodunnit component starts strong, but fizzles slightly at the too-coincidental conclusion. The fish-out-of-water-in-a-rural-area aspect is where the book really shines. Watching Harry interact with the locals—and his realization that despite all the strangeness, he truly enjoys the odd situation he’s found himself in—is the heart of the book, and the source of the greatest possibilities. Hogan’s script hits exactly the right tone, never too far from lighthearted and relaxed, ably matched by Parkhouse’s quirky art, full of delightful characterizations.