Be careful what you wish for, because you might just get something you weren’t expecting. In the world of Cruel Universe this should be the slogan everyone lives by. These short stories placed into a monthly anthology always deliver. Unfortunately for the story’s subjects, that delivery usually isn’t good for them, but awesome for us readers.

Cruel Universe #3

Edited By: Sierra Hahn and Matt Dryer

Published By: EC Comics/Oni Press

***Minor Spoilers Possible***

“Automated”

The opening tale is Automated, written by J. Holtham with art by Kano.

In a post-apocalyptic world, a man tries to reclaim a world once his. However, the thing that gave him his power in better times, is what has oppressed the world. Will he be able to tame his own creation or will the cutthroat mentality that he instilled in them snuff him out?

This opening tale has a good premise and delivers an inciteful story. The way J. Holtham weaves a message throughout this story is genius. The art is great, and the use of some gore makes the story pop off the page.

“We Drown on Earth”

Next up is We Drown on Earth, written by Zac Thompson, art by Dan McDaid, and colors by Michelle Madsen.

A greedy crew has no problem polluting the ocean and overthrowing the ship they work on. Their plan may have worked, but they must return to the sea. As they find themselves in trouble on the high seas. They must also face the abominations they have made.

This story is the second in row that delivers a good message. Add to that the art that really encapsulates what the story is about, and you have yourself a good tale.

Check Out My Review of Cruel Universe #1

“The Deleted Man”

The third tale is The Deleted Man, written by Ben H. Winters, with art by Carson Thorn.

A con man who has no problem doing shady things, needs his negative image erased from the internet. He finds a company that promises to make that happen and delivers on that promise. But what is the actual cost of this service and is it worth it in the long run?

Once again throwing a message in this third tale. Zac Thompson really comes out of left field with this story with an awesome twist ending. Ben H. Winters art matches the story perfectly and really brings the world to life.

“Behave”

Up last is Behave, written by Cullen Bunn, with art by David Rubin.

In the future society has created machines who try and make you a better person. These machines are named “Angels”, and they follow you like an angel on the shoulder. Eventually they figure out that humanity needs more of a push to be better, and it becomes catastrophic.

Cullen Bunn is tuned into the social conscious in this story. He takes us on a journey where the trappings of being better really get skewed. This tale is the perfect ending note on what is a very inciteful issue.

Check Out My Review of Cruel Universe #2

Final Thoughts

Cruel Universe #3 delivers on great tales with meaning. EC Comics has really killed it with their anthology offerings. If you are not reading Cruel Universe, I implore you to reconsider, pick up this issue, and then add this book to your Pull List.

Final Grade: 9/10

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