Book Review: Lobster Johnson Vol. 5 by M. Mignola et al.

Lobster Johnson Volume 5: Metal Monsters of Midtown and The Pirate's Ghost written by Mike Mignola and John Arcudi, art by Tonci Zonjic and Dave Stewart

In the first half of this book, Lobster Johnson is up against the titular "Metal Monsters of Midtown." Three robots attack a bank but don't steal anything. The police can't even put a dent in them; the Lobster is only slightly more successful with a grenade launcher. His real success comes as he and his associates investigate three missing Zinco Corp. employees. All three were working in Jersey on armored battle suits but they have not been to work in a while. The main engineer's wife provides enough information to turn the tide of battle. The story has the classic pulp adventure feel, like the old 1930s and 1940s serial adventures at the movies.

The second half is "The Pirate's Ghost." Crime boss Wald wants the Lobster dead and has hired the criminal schemer Isog, a Peter-Lorre-style henchman if ever there was one. Isog has an elaborate plan to lure the Lobster out of the city by kidnapping Cindy, a report who is the girlfriend of Harry, one of the Lobster's henchmen. Things are moving along but Wald is going crazy, seeing a pirate compadre (i.e. the titular ghost) who gives him all sorts of bad advice. The story drifts around a bit in an unsatisfying way. The real heart of story is the relationship between Harry and the reporter. She has an offer to move to Chicago to advance her career but Harry feels obligated to stay in New York to help the Lobster. 

Mildly recommended.