REDCOAT #18: The Truth Will Set You Free

A ghost from Simon’s past has returned and promises to undo everything he has spent the last decade building. Benedict Arnold has returned, promising to help his family gain immortality, but, has been captured, and it’s up to Simon to choose between a traitor and his family.

Creative Team: Geoff Johns, Bryan Hitch, Brad Anderson, Andrew Currie, and Rob Leigh.

SPOILERS AHEAD

The Story:

This issue brings about an unfamiliar somber tone to it, which isn’t a tone that Geoff has brought to the table since the early issues. We’ve seen how much Simon has changed; in the past, he was out for himself and would turn tail and run. It’s a testament to the world-building and character development that Simon has had. The way that Rob letters and aids Geoff with the heaviness of Simon explaining his powers and immortality to his wife brought home how heartbreaking this issue was. Every ounce of emotion and pain was left on the panels, and Simon is left with a choice now: fight for his family or save Arnold.

Speaking of Benedict, we have slowly begun to learn who the men are in the hoods and how they are a part of Washington’s army. Johns does cause us to raise an eyebrow, as they aren’t out for Simon at all, who has immortality, but only for Arnold, which begs the question as to just what is going on. It’s a heavy issue with complex emotions that leaves us on the hook.

The Art:

Anderson and Currie detail and craft the scene with Simon and his wife perfectly. The dimly lit room and the way they shaded their faces brought out so much expression and painful feelings in that moment. There is a shocking moment, which I thought the duo did well, in which Benedict was shot in the head. What works artistically for me in this scene was how it wasn’t the focal point of the page at all. It felt like it was in the background, and yet the way they chose to showcase this scene felt impactful and powerful, mixed with Simon’s expression. Rob, Andrew, and Brad worked hard to pour a mixed bag of emotion into this issue, mixing it with intense chase and fight sequences and moments of exposition. It blends beautifully, making this issue stand out.

Final Thoughts:

Redcoat #18 packs an emotional punch. Simon has worked to build a life that he can be proud of and has a family. Now all of that is coming down around his feet. We’ve spent so much time with Simon that it breaks our hearts to see him in this dilemma, and I am eager to see how the team moves forward!

Overall Grade: 9.3/10

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