I discovered The Maze Agency through a magazine dedicated to late-70s and 80s comic books. I’d never heard of it before, since the series was an independent and I didn’t read those in the 1980s. It’s a detective comic, a lot like “Remington Steele” actually, with a case an issue. IDW released a collection of the first five issues a month ago and I think I’ve read them all, but never on such nice paper.
The Maze Agency, though Barr was popular in the 80s, is probably most known for giving Adam Hughes his start. Hughes’ pencil work--he does mostly covers now--is beautiful. IDW put the collection on beautiful paper, which really benefits the experience. Maze has a complicated visual style--Barr cuts from scene to scene quickly, sometimes visually, sometimes with dialogue, but always with a compliment from the art. There’s also a lot of color backgrounds for scenic mood. The collection looks wonderful, great production value.
Barr--and most of the online critics--make a big deal out of Maze “playing fair” with its mysteries. The reader can solve the issue’s mystery with given clues. I suppose that method is cute--and probably a lot of work for the writer--but I never do it. Barr does beautiful character work in The Maze Agency, which is why I love it. The recurring characters grow and everyone has a complex relationship and it’s just a great read.
I can’t wait for the next collection.