“If Destruction Be Our Lot #1” Review – A Worthy Timely Tale

Have you ever wondered what it might be like if Abe Lincoln was placed in a modern world? Or maybe even a future one where robots rule? Writers Matthew and Mark Elijah Rosenberg strive to answer that very question in “If Destruction Be Our Lot”. This brand new three issue mini-series follows Honest Abe as he seeks meaning in the nothingness of the robot apocalypse.

Writers: Matthew Rosenberg, Mark Elijah Rosenberg
Artist: Andy MacDonald
Colorists: Francesco Segala, Gloria Martinelli

Wabi-Sabi

If there was ever a term to describe this majestic piece of work, it would be “wabi-sabi”. For those who don’t know, “wabi-sabi” is a Japanese philosophy all about finding beauty in imperfection. The Rosenberg brothers lovingly crafted a story that, seemingly in this start, is exactly all about that. For a story all about robots, this comic feels all too human. As we all strive to seek beauty in the chaos and/or nothingness of life, so too does this story’s Abe Lincoln.

As is in life, there will be moments in this book that fill you with joy. However, that also means some moments will cause your heart to break as well as cause you to feel fear or maybe even anger. It’s clear the brothers want us to feel every emotion instead of being like the Cybermen in “Doctor Who”. That is to say, devoid of emotion. If their goal is to make us feel the entire human experience through this story, they’re so far succeeding.

Art That Speaks

Artist Andy MacDonald being paired with colorists Francesco Segala and Gloria Martinelli just feels like a match made in heaven. The three of them bring so much life to this future robotic apocalypse and it’s characters, doing perfect justice to the writing. While the writing tugs the heartstrings, the art tugs even more. MacDonald does everything he can to convey emotions not just through the face, but the body language of every robot and it’s beyond incredible to see.

Coupled with this are the colors brought by Segala and Martinelli. When things feel a bit bright or maybe even just normal, the bright yellows and blues reflect that. However, when things are frightening or maybe even saddening, they give fantastic reds and deep blacks, like looking into the void. This team is a tour de force.

Final Thoughts – 10/10

The Rosenberg brothers weren’t on my radar prior, but after reading this, they certainly are now. They crafted something that’s exemplary of life and the human experience. In everything from the writing to the artwork, “If Destruction Be Our Lot” is a masterpiece. It’s arguably one of the best comics to come out this year and I’m undoubtedly having this be my pick of the week.

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Comments

Are you looking forward to reading “If Destruction Be Our Lot”? If you’ve read it, what did you think? Let me know in the comments below!