MASTERMINDS #5: If You Can’t Beat Them, Join Them.

This is it: Edward’s final test to either join the Masterminds or end up a casualty of their games. He has sacrificed everything and may need to sacrifice more if he wants to survive the night and become the world’s most famous video game programmer. It’s all led to this moment. The finale is here, and the game of Masterminds ends now.

Creative Team: Zack Kaplan, Stephen Thompson, Thiago Rocha, and Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou.

The Story:

Zack does not disappoint in his big finale for this intense and twisted series. I had no idea how this would wrap up, and there had been seeds planted as to who was behind it, but I don’t believe we truly still know. Zack has written an incredible maze of a story and this ending gives us a satisfying ending but there are threads to pull on if he wants more. I enjoyed how self-contained this showdown was with Angie, Edward, and those behind the entire operation. It didn’t need a grand shootout or explosions to stick the landing. Instead, we were given clever writing and an ending that made all the sense in the world!

The Art:

Thiago’s use of red lighting sets the tone for this issue, and the way the mood goes from the red lighting to a soulless, corporate-looking building plays on our minds a bit. It showcases the stakes at hand; the background and the various masked individuals lets us peek behind the curtain of the Masterminds. There were moments where Stephen has Edward leaping up steel beams that read from bottom to top, and, along with Hassan’s letters, I really enjoyed how that splash page flowed. The art left subtle hints and brought the vibe to the conclusion of this thriller.

Final Thoughts:

Masterminds #5 is a satisfying conclusion to this mini-run that leaves a crack in the door should the team return for more. It wraps up in a unique way that truly feels like a mystery thriller-type ending. All in all, this series was a smartly written mystery with twists and turns at every page turn. The art captured the mood and lighting, playing with our minds and I would love to get more!

Overall Grade: 10/10

What did you think of Masterminds? Let us know in the comments below, and check out more reviews by Matt!