'Sons Of Anarchy' #23 Review: Ron Perlman's Clay Morrow Returns In New SAMCRO Comic Book Arc!

Just because the series finale of Sons of Anarchy aired on FX, BOOM! Studios isn't done with SAMCRO by a long shot. Based on the popular crime drama, Clay Morrow (memorably played by Ron Perlman) returns in the newest comic book chapter of Sons of Anarchy #23, by writer Ryan Ferrier and artist Matías Bergara. 

As we previously mentioned, in the story arc from before, Bobby Munson (Mark Boone Junior)'s estranged nephew arrived in Charming and started out as a promising Prospect. Because he is Bobby's blood, everyone expected Dillon would eventually fit in with the motorcycle club. Unfortunately, Dillion got involved with the Mayans and sent one of them to the hospital. Though Jax's sense of mercy allowed Dillon to live, it was also his own undoing.

In issue #22, rival clubs, SAMCRO and the Mayans, butted heads in an action-packed confrontation. Marcus Alvarez (Emilio Rivera) wanted Dillon dead, but Jax needed to keep him alive for Bobby's sake. The line was drawn between family and loyalty as Jax had to make a final decision about Dillon's punishment. 

In the newest arc, Ferrier takes readers on a flashback tour between Seasons 1 and 2 of the show. Opie Winston (Ryan Hurst) is reeling from the death of his wife. Grieving over his loss, Opie goes back to his old job at the lumberyard. Unfortunately, Opie can never stay on the straight and narrow path as he discovers some shady business goin on.

Ferrier antes up the crime drama aspects as Jax (Charlie Hunnam) and Clay argue over their vision of the club. As Clay strikes up a deal with the IRA, Jax wonders if they should even be getting involved in this scheme. Ferrier has such a strong handle on characterization; which is why it's so great to see Clay back. 

In our MStars/Sons of Anarchy interview, Ferrier describes Bergara's artwork, "Matías is simply amazing. What he does to bring emotion and style to every panel is a true testament to his talent and hard work. The first time I saw his pages, I was awe-struck; he brings everything to reality-to a whole other level actually. He is going to be a huge, huge force in comics."

RATING: MUST BUY 

Ryan Ferrier's tough as nails dialogue and Matías Bergara's unflinching artwork make Sons of Anarchy #23 a memorable reading experience. If you miss watching the TV show, this will certainly fill in the void.