Review: Genius Cartel #5

They tried to turn Destiny Ajaye into a weapon, but should have known how it would work out. In Genius: Cartel #5 (Image Comics) we find our heroine playing in full rogue mode. The “good”“ people of the Madrasa Institute have no idea what she“s up to, or why? But what they do know is that she was never truly their secret weapon. She lives by her own rules, and has her own mission to complete.

After finishing the comic, I found myself asking, “what“s next?”“ Knowing this is the last issue in the five-part series I felt very conflicted. This was a superb story, no doubt about it, but I was left feeling like I“d just watched the second act of a three-act play. Why does this story have to end so abruptly when there is so much more to offer?

Writers Adam Freeman and Marc Bernardin have written a masterful tale of covert espionage coupled with characters who are accessible and likeable. Yes, even though Destiny goes full on killer, she comes across as likeable. After all she has gone through, she is tough as nails, but still continues to want to do the right thing, as she sees it.

Artist Rosi Kampe hooked me on the first page. The image of a man in the street with a needle sticking out of his arm while a child rides a scooter by him on the street is haunting. I sometimes come across a comic panel that just feels iconic, and this is one of them. The duality of utter despair and childhood innocence in a single frame grabs me and won“t let go. Colorist Brad Simpson added a rich feel to the art with his quality work as well.

There could easily be at least one more comic in this mini-series. Based on this issue alone, I would recommend reading the entire five issue series. I have to believe there will be another opportunity for us to find out where Destiny is headed. With the world-wide open for her now, there seems to only be one thing left to do. Ride or die.

[yasr_overall_rating size=”large”]

(W) Marc Bernardin, Adam Freeman (A/CA) Rosi Kampe

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Bryan Spaulding

In his free time, other than reading comic books, Bryan enjoys listening to his ever growing record collection and driving his 27 year old roadster named Mingo.