This is easily the weakest issue of Dan Abnett and Andy Lanning’s Authority, but paradoxically give renewed hope for the series as whole. While the main story is an inconsequential run-around, the cliff-hanger revelation underlines both the creative team’s understanding of the book they inherited and how to tell a story in this unusual setting.

With Swift cornered by the remains of the British military, much of the issue is devoted to showing the Engineer’s ongoing scavenging in the derelict Carrier. There’s little character progression here aside from a brief moment of resolve by Jack Hawksmoor, and the re-cycling of the Warhol Virus from the first issue adds to the feeling that the action outside of Rendlesham is merely padding. Simon Coleby deserves credit for keeping to a monthly schedule with no sign of a dip in quality, but not even he can make Angie’s temporary opponent a source of interest. The end of the issue, however, takes a sharp turn leftfield, adding some much-needed intrigue to the post-apocalyptic world. The inclusion of an extra-dimensional “Door” in the final splash page is a sensible inclusion, given that some readers may not immediately recognise the figure revealed.

Given that successive writers have strip-mined Warren Ellis’s twelve issues on the title, it’s odd that the most perfect concept for further exploration has been ignored until now. First Mark Miller seized on the Jenny Quantum thread, before Winter was prised out of the sun by Robbie Morrison and Ed Brubaker built an entire maxi-series out of Henry Bendix’s temporary resurrection. Since Grant Morrison brought back Kaizen Gamorra in the pages of Wildcats, he’s become one of the Wildstorm universe’s foremost villains. Until now, however, Sliding Albion has been left untouched. The psuedo-British imperial aliens featured in Ellis’s second arc, before being dealt a heavy blow at the hands of Jenny Sparks and the Doctor. Their inclusion here makes perfect sense, with the Wildstorm Earth being exactly the sort of weakened target that would attack their attention, but more importantly, the concept itself still crackles with potential. It seems likely that Albion will be the permanent opposition in the book, providing structure to the threats to the team’s protectorate. Although the amount of plot filler in this instalment rankles, it’s hard not to look forward to the next issue.

Although their fellow Wildstorm writers have chosen to cut their heroes a break after the chaotic starts to the World’s End scenario, Dan Abnett and Andy Lanning are obviously determined to bring more trouble to The Authority’s door. Returning to aid the Midnighter’s party of refugees, Swift finds herself caught by the supernatural weather plaguing the now-desolate Earth. Meanwhile, it seems that the remains of the Authority aren’t the only post-humans seeking to make their mark on the ruins of UnLondon…

Abnett and Lanning develop the new Authority in a logical fashion, by presenting them with the most basic crisis: a challenge to their territory. The plotting here is exemplary, with the injured Swift given the perfect reason for remaining an observer while the power of the opposing gang is demonstrated to the readers. There’s a commendable faithfulness to the book’s new tone in selecting such an uncomplicated challenge for the team. Despite this grounding, the writers still find room to include more sci-fi high concepts in the shape of the Soulstorms, adding to the Warhol Virus seen last issue. It’s these little touches of imagination which give the book consistency with its previous incarnations, despite the complete inversion of setting. Where once the wonders of shiftships and spaceflight were a source of awe, now each fantastical addition to the world brings only horror. Simon Coleby’s ink-heavy art adds to the feeling of dread, and is a perfect match for the title.

Pointedly refusing to expand their pared-down cast from last issue, the book’s real triumph is managing to make its heroes feel like separate people, without artificially generating tension within the team. This is a group of characters the readership has come to know every well, exposed to an unprecedented situation. Each has a completely feasible viewpoint, which leads them to interact with their fellows in line with their agendas. The interaction feels real rather than forced or expositionary, and although the reader inevitably finds themselves siding with Swift and the Midnighter’s determination to take the initiative, their less driven compatriots manage to avoid irritating.

The only niggle is a small point of characterisation, but one that still manages to irritate. Swift’s Buddhist upbringing and beliefs have been an established part of the character for years, and her frequent blasphemy in the Christian tradition feels more than a little odd. Her exclamation of horror at Eidolon’s presence in UnLondon (”Oh my God. Oh my God. Oh my God.“) should be a shocking breakdown from a battle-hardened veteran, but instead merely jars the reader out of the issue. Abnett & Lanning have generally handled The Authority’s retreat from mature-reader territory well, but a more in-character solution to the limitations on swearing is called for.