Image Comics 2015
Written by Brian K. Vaughan
Illustrated by Cliff Chiang
Coloured by Matt Wilson
Lettered & Designed by Jared K. Fletcher
Everytime I think I have this somewhat figured out Brian laughs silently to himself knowing I have no clue. So last issue the boys took Erin with them after she was shot to do what they could to heal her. Leaving the others behind and somewhat freaked out it’s just some of the most fun, interesting and out there stuff going on right now. Well okay so Heck is gay and his dialogue is trying to reflect that but it’s kind of awkward. Partly because i’m not sure Brian knows the dialogue and partly because I don’t think Heck does since he’s grown up in a future that well has incredibly strange speech patterns to begin with. Regardless I think it’s part of the charm of this series that the dialogue can be seen in so many different ways.
Holy Moly do things get too unexpected when we see Erin recuperating with the boys help. Cliff really thank you for this because damn son this was outrageous, said in my best Brave and the Bold Aquaman voice. Aside from the amazing visuals Brian really does do some incredible characterization, story development and just gut wrenching storytelling this issue.
So the three amigos having just watched Erin, the new girl, leave have some excellent characterization of their own. Go girl power and having the opportunity for spotlighting each girl individually so that we can see who she is and get a chance to know and appreciate more. Yeah we’ve got Charlie’s Angels going on here but I loved their conversation and the realization of what they’ve been through and the significance of prior experiences.
When the Cardinal finds the girls and Tiffany takes a stand yeah i’m all about this. It’s like with each page we are getting more and more than we could have possibly have hoped to expect out of Brian’s writing. Aside from the weird dialogue from the Cardinal after realizing what they have and then taking a stand against anyone, positively anyone trying to dictate what they are supposed to do, feel and experience. This is the beginning of their independence in a way and it’s when they find that inner strength that defines who they are and who they will become. It’s amazingly strong and simple stuff really and it has that ability to connect with the reader regardless of their age, gender or sexual orientation and that kind of range is why we love Brian’s books.
Now I want to know more about this mysterious Father and why he’s the only one who seems to be able to talk like a normal person. It’s like he’s this cross between Einstein/Jobs/Gates and whoever else thinks they are smart enough to change and then rule how things are done. What we see of him only strengthens that resolve too because the clues that are given just have that effect.
I love that everything that happens in this issue does so in such a natural organic way and yet is one game changer after another be it story wise, character wise or just ending up how you the reader feel emotionally.