I'm not kidding. I'm not exaggerating. I don't mean "this week" or "this month." This comic was so dramatic, so emotional, so life-affirming.
(spoilers)
Boston Brand has spent this series trying to find "the chosen one" and get rid of the white ring. In this issue, Brand is shot by one of Mr. Freeze's henchmen. While at death's door, the ring shows him his life in a "Ghost of Christmas Past" montage. Finally, the ring shows him the moment of his death. Brand shouts at his former self, trying to warn him. When that doesn't work, he cries out to the ring: I don't want to die! I want to live! The ring challenges him: Then live! Brand has been treating his new life and his quest as a chore. It's not. It's a privilege.
(end spoilers)
Life is a privilege. Somehow, Deadman forgot that and needed to be reminded of it. His epiphany is a powerful moment for the reader as well. Rarely has a comic (or song or novel or movie) affected me like that. Wow.
Congratulations, Geoff Johns. And Peter Tomasi and Ivan Reis and Joe Prado and everyone involved in this comic. This is comics at its greatest.
You need to be a member of Captain Comics to add comments!
Replies
This issue really is a game-changer, as well as being much much better than the previous issue. I'm excited for what's going on right now.
This issue then took one of the better stories so far and ratcheted it up another notch.
Off the top of my head, though, I think my favourite book has been (pretend it's now collected, chaps), Superman: Last Family of Krypton #1-3. in which Cary Bates and Renato Arlem make Silver Age themes work for today. The story has great characters, action and heart, with every page reading wonderfully, and looking beautiful.