Nexus Archives Volume 3 (v. 3)
In the thirdNexuscollection, Baron's 1980s sf superhero tries a brain implant to stop the dreams compelling him to execute intergalactic mass murderers. The device works but turns the dashing Nexus into a pill-popping couch potato who rather resembles the later Elvis. Pal Judah Maccabee's entreaties to shape up fall on deaf ears, and even loyal girlfriend Sundra gets fed up and takes her solar sailcraft business back to Mars. Nexus seems headed to a Kingly Krackup when two emissaries from the Merk, the alien being who gave Nexus his (unwanted) powers, unwantedly intervene. This is arguably the series at its peak. Baron's story lines would later tend to meander, but here the plotting is taut and exciting, and action and characterization are effectively balanced. Eric Shanower assumes original artist Steve Rude's sleek brushwork, effective layouts, and gorgeous figure drawing (Rude still does the covers). The only drawback here is the batch of secondary stories featuring gatorlike standup comic Clonezone the Hilariator--drawn from the original comic books, but still . . .Gordon FlaggCopyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved