One thing about death, it does have a habit of bringing people together; in this case there is Mercy Wolfe who has a brain tumour that is slowly killing her; Thalia Rosewood who has something of an obsession when it comes to death (although not in a Thanos kind of way) and finally Inigo Hanover a reluctant tether. Some of this is explained with other elements left for you to assume throughout the story. Questions arise unbound from chance meetings and relationships coloured by the pressure of peers and the weight of expectations.
Tina Howard’s story has a lot going for it, not the least the mix of joy or light in the face of the darkness of death. There are loads of ideas about what happens to us when we die; whilst this book doesn’t offer any answers, it does give credence to the extrapolation of an old theory. Howard’s script is a perfect blend of the pathos and the fanciful, grounding Thalia as a person that we might actually know. Mercy’s know-it-all attitude serves to entice Thalia into a greater understanding of both her desires and allowing her to finally live out her dreams.
The art is provided by Nick Robles who gives the book a very dark muted color scheme, which is kind of appropriate with the topics covered. There is a realism to the art, demonstrated by the number of different types of people who exist in the world. There is also no apologies for showing Mercy as she is suffering from her condition. This level of detail gives book a sense of maturity which is needed to balance out the fanciful elements that come into play later, although still expertly rendered. Heavy pencils are used throughout, intimating the presence of these characters. A couple of times panel structure needs a second glance, but doesn’t detract from the story as the dialogue is there to act as its own tether at times.
Don’t be put off by the title of the book. Euthanasia is a serious topic that other than the wordplay that gives the book its title, doesn’t really feature. In fact, it’s the topic is exploring the realms beyond death, regardless how the person in question got there, that is the focus. As a first issue, the premise of the book is intriguing, with the quality of the reading experience exemplary.
Writing – 5 Stars
Art – 5 Stars
[yasr_overall_rating size=”large”]
Written by; Tina Howard
Art by; Nick Robles
Published by; IDW (Black Crown)
Author Profile
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I am a long time comic book fan, being first introduced to Batman in the mid to late 70's. This led to a appreciation of classic artists like Neal Adams and Jim Aparo. Moving through the decades that followed, I have a working knowledge of a huge raft of characters with a fondness for old school characters like JSA and The Shadow
Currently reading a slew of Bat Books, enjoying a mini Marvel revival, and the host of The Definative Crusade and Outside the Panels whilst also appearing on No-Prize Podcast on the Undercover Capes Podcast Network
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