This is easily the best issue of the current Clandestine mini-series. Alan Davis handles the myriad cast members with a defter hand, and surprise after surprise unfolds from the plot.

The story kicks off with a resolution to Rory and Pandora being attacked by vampires. It's the one explanation I didn't expect, but given the scenes in the flashback and the way Kay's powers operate, it all makes sense.

The plot evolution gives Davis the opportunity to cutely illustrate Pandora's reaction to the vampires, who are at once seductive and charming, but the standout award must be given to the super-hot Samantha, alias Argent, seen on the cover.

I never tire of when a female character tears off the tapering end of her dress as she prepares for battle. It's the equivalent of Doc Savage in an adventure-shredded shirt. When a female character tears off her dress like that, she's classifying herself as a pragmatic fighter. She's indifferent over the revelation of her legs. She's unconcerned with the expense of the garment. She's nonchalant over a display of what is considered unladylike behavior. She's ready to kick ass and Versache isn't getting in the way.

Meanwhile, Dom is still lost with classic Excalibur on a world in which humans have been enslaved. Davis' quick envisioning of that alternate earth ripples with originality and imagination. Changing one key player really could create this dystopia. It all falls into place with his presence.

As events boiled down to the conclusion, which does explain some of Walter's strange behavior, I really wanted to find out what happened next in Clandestine, and that's all one can ask for in a good story.

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