This issue might read in a confusing way, but it's worthwhile. The art and visual imagination behind it is gorgeous, for one thing, with the extended cartoon dreamscape humorously childish and sinister all at once. I'm sticking with my theory that the dream chicken is Foghorn Leghorn, which gives the issue a little extra humor. Not a lot really happens in this issue, though it is good to have the reminder that Tad exists, and it is a fun read. All in all, a worthwhile read. Read Full Review

Chris Brunner does a great job on SOUTHERN BASTARDS. Latour's art in the series is more visceral, and gnarly. Brunner's inks are a bit more polished, but it also feels more vicious when a character reacts. A close-up panel of a snarling Esaw just sums up how feral people can be, and his sharp lines give great volumes of emotion. While this may be a slight break from the norm, it is definitely welcome. However, if the creative team decided to shake things up further down the line, I'd be more than ok with it. Read Full Review

Another thing that the series has been doing lately is introducing various unrelated parties who are only linked by the fact that they have a score to settle with Coach Boss. This is a nice maneuver, as it adds tension and creates all sorts of possibilities to upcoming issues. Southern Bastards #12 adds two more parties gunning for Boss, though they are at first sight an unimposing pair: an injured teen and an old, wild dog. Its pretty cool that this issue is somehow able to make those two seem like they could somehow become a dangerous duo. Read Full Review

After such an amazing issue as Southern Bastards #11, there was bound to be a step-down, but it's made less noticeable with the infusion of an interesting shakeup to the creative team for this issue. Jason Latour shows he's, of course, more than capable of writing, and guest artist Chris Brunner brings a great style to an issue that ultimately feels like a ramp-up for what's bound to be a hell of a next issue. The back matter here is thin, presumably because of the preview for The Goddamned, so it's a good thing the preview is great. Read Full Review

It was a strange cartoony episode with the boy they beat.