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Writer: Rick Remender
Artist: Bengal
Letterer: Rus Wooten
PUBLISHER: IMAGE COMICS
As the kids say, “Don’t talk about it, be about it!” (Is that something the kids say still? I’m on the Tiktok but my feed is mostly Comic Books and clips of Larry David so not hip with the current trends in lingo) I bring this up because I have read and watched many stories about the importance of fighting against conformity. Stories that show how the individual that goes against the grain to be true to themself tends to live the best life. Those stories however rarely follow their own message as they are within narratives that are rather standard and cliche. Luckily, Rick Remender and Bengal are quite literally trying to practice what they preach with Napalm Lullaby.
When this series began it appeared to be another take on a Superman mythos as a young baby with powers from a faraway land is abandoned and adopted by a young couple. Quickly it became clear that was not the mission here as we flashed forward to a future ruled by a deadly cult. What is becoming apparent though is that this is a superhero story that is simply going about it in a much different way. One that is not concerned about the action as it is the story being told.
This is a series that is taking its time. If I were to write down the series of events within these three issues it would only take a few bullet points to cover it all. That’s why it is important to remember that storytelling is far more than just plot. A lot can happen outside of the major events. With this issue, we get much of the backstory of this world to understand better how it got to its current state. None of it is shocking as it mostly confirms what has been hinted at since the beginning. This Superman-like figure supposedly used his power to save the world from an evil threat and that action led to the creation of a religion within his image. Those who follow his teachings live in luxury while those who do not live in ultimate squalor.
For an issue that provided a fair share of exposition, it never felt bogged down due to a well-maintained structure. Xander, Sarah, and Sam are moving deeper and deeper into the hallowed domed city as the arrival ceremony occurs. To celebrate the glory days are shown with all the fanfare. At the same time, Sam is overcome with the emotion of the moment. Being an empath is a dangerous game especially when you are surrounded by zealots who are lost within their rigid belief system without even realizing it. Sam’s inability to block out their hatred places them all in danger, because if they are discovered their deaths are soon to follow.
Major credit needs to be given to Bengal as this was not an easy issue to draw. You have an event with large crowds, a multitude of things happening at the same time, and characters you need to be able to identify that are trying to go unnoticed within this massive conglomerate of people. Never though is it difficult to tell what is happening on the page. It may sound basic but the storytelling needed to make this issue operate as smoothly as it did is on another level. He chose to use a lot of wide panels to keep the pace moving while making it easy to identify what you are looking at. Using establishing shots in the right moments while consistently moving back to our heroes made it a breeze to comprehend.
Also love the colors he has chosen for this series. Now that we are in this hallowed domed the page is saturated in pure dove white to demonstrate how these people operate. Considering my superpower is an ability to spill things I would never drink anything in this place unless it was in a high-end non-spill sippy cup, although considering the tools at the guard’s disposal for dealing with wannabe suicide bombers maybe a spill cleanup would not be too difficult.
Have to also call out the work of Rus Wooton who is one of the most consistent comic creators in all of Image at this point. When Image has a major release chances are he will be doing the lettering. Similar to Bengal
Wooton had his own challenge as this issue included some first-person narration from Sara. The choice of placing that narrative within boxes made it clear what you were reading, but I love the choice of making those boxes imperfect. The lines were not exactly straight which aided in their intimacy but also spoke to these characters as it was coming from an individual who is openly flawed while residing in a land where flaws are perceived as wickedness.
Despite everything that works with this book I do struggle to find an emotional connection with it. I appreciate its message regarding the dangers of conformity and being unwilling to be uncomfortable. What I struggle with is finding an attachment to the events that are taking place and the characters we have been given to follow. When a character is in peril I ponder more regarding who they are rather than over their fate. Part of that is by design as this is a story that is about the slow reveal. Since the start this has put faith in the audience to not only be patient but to put together pieces lesser stories would just hand you. Still, the distance it keeps you at his limited my overall enjoyment. The good news is this issue is evidence it is bringing us closer and closer just not in a way we may be used to with most comics.
7.5 / 10
