Scott Snyder and Charles Soule are two of the greatest writers of the current era of comics, so it is not surprise that a series with them working together gives us a story with epic scope and yet one which remains incredibly personal. Here a group made up of diplomats, explorers, a military hero and a journalist are travelling through an unknown land, the fractured world that was once America. This book is the end of the first arc of what promises to be a massive quest across 13 regions making up the former United States. Here they battle the Destiny Man as they work to flee his territory.
This issue takes place at the Wall of Destiny and there are clear political overtones with within the land of Destiny and within the act of trying to get past this wall. A new version of Uncle Sam himself is working to help our heroes. He and many of the characters from this brave new world love to spout political slogans as the wrestle with the very identity of the world around them. But this conflict is also about our disparate group of heroes breaking down the walls between each other. This is a group exploring the unknown and taking on challenges as they grow to know each other, and are forced to trust each other.
Along with the character moments we are treated to rich battle sequences incredibly illustrated by Guiseppe Camuncoli and Leonardo Marcello Grassi. It is clear that Camuncoli and Grassi and having an amazing time creating new characters, creatures, weapons and worlds. They are able to create a world that includes a giant starfish, rockets, trains, war machines and a unique creatures, weapons and villains. There unique style is vital, it creates a world unlike anything we know and draws readers into a rich, mysterious and bloody world.
Above all the work of Matt Wilson’s colors makes this book stand out. He gives the art, the characters and the story an incredible bombast and depth. His work is such a vital part of the story-telling and shows how key a great colorist is to elevating a book.
This book uses the backdrop of a pandemic, a fractured political empire, and martial law not simply to show what our own society has become, but also to emphasize what truly matters in such altered times. The conflicts around us are not what define us, what defines us is how we join with others to find ways to navigate these hurdles. Every quest gains meaning because the quest itself is an opportunity to create a better society.
Writing: 4.8 stars of 5
Art: 4.8 stars of 5
Colors: 5 stars of 5
Overall: 4.9 stars of 5
Writing: Scott Snyder and Charles Soule
Art: Guiseppe Camuncoli and Leonardo Marcello Grassi
Colors: Matt Wilson
Author Profile
- M.R. Jafri was born and raised in Niagara Falls New York and now lives with his family in Detroit Michigan. He's a talkative introvert and argumentative geek. His loves include Star Wars, Star Trek, Superheroes, Ninja Turtles, Power Rangers, Transformers, GI Joe, Films, Comics, TV Shows, Action Figures and Twizzlers.
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