THE FURY OF FIRESTORM #7: From the Ashes!

After an explosive and emotional climax in Pittsburgh, Lorraine is left to explain Ronnie’s actions and pick up the pieces. Is the world ready to forgive Firestorm for what he has done, or will his legacy forever be that of a villain?

Creative Team: Jeff Lemire, Rafael De Latorre, Marcelo Maiolo, and Lucas Gattoni.

This review is brought to you by Nerd Initiative’s Megan and Matt!

The Story:

Matt: This issue is dealing with the fallout of everything that has happened and it is equal parts beautiful and crushing all at once. The inner child of Ronnie begging him to remember mixed in with those who are meant to be friends now treating him as anything as such is incredible storytelling by Lemire. We haven’t fully empathized with Firestorm as the Matrix has been in total control but it highlights how these heroes sometimes aren’t themselves nor do they have the choice to be. It’s adding an interesting layer as well because we are now looking at how can someone who has caused destruction can come back from it and moving into a redemption arc that I cannot wait to see play out.

Megan: This was an emotionally driven issue all around, and Jeff Lemire handles it beautifully. Lorraine is left dealing with the aftermath of the incident in Pittsburgh. That includes answering questions from government organizations and the Justice League. No one’s made this easy for Lorraine, and all she wants is respect to be put on Ronnie’s name publicly.

Meanwhile, while everyone thinks Firestorm is dead, there’s a new development. Firestorm returns in a new form with no recollection of his life. Starting from the ground up, Firestorm has to try to remember the life Ronnie lived. However, that’s easier said than done. Especially since Firestorm being alive is no longer a secret.

The Art:

Matt: The artwork is, as always, with these two so good in every manner, and I may sound like a broken record at this point. The subtle way the duo of Maiolo and De Latorre has changed up Firestorm’s look, now giving him a fiery lion’s mane, renders this character unrecognizable. It fits with the theme, as right now Firestorm doesn’t know who he is, and the audience is being treated to that through details. It’s one area the team continues to excel amongst countless others, but they do a beautiful job of changing the look of Firestorm, aiding in the narration. I love Gattoni’s letters and how certain words are in bold highlight emphasizing the tone of voice raising the stakes and escalating the situation.

Megan: Goodness gracious, this creative team does it once again! Bringing the most beautiful and impactful panels ton the comic and making you do a double take at many of the pages. Rafael De Latorre, Marcelo Maiolo, and Lucas Gattoni have brought their artistic talents front and center. Rafael De Latorre puts the emotions of the story on full display, especially when Firestorm is in the panel. With Firestorm, there are some panels that are downright stunning! My personal favorites are in the first few pages, but I won’t give anything away.

Marcelo Maiolo brings all the heat with their work in the coloring! Making Firestorm the focal point with his bright, warm-colored look was beautiful against the darker tones. It worked wonderfully throughout the book, making each page nothing short of gorgeous. Lucas Gattoni handles the lettering, and if you know anything about Gattoni’s work, then you know you’re in for quality. There was something so deep about the lettering in this issue. Maybe it was the dialogue at the beginning where we get a deep look at the nuclear man? Or maybe it was the perfectly timed sound effects that brought more intensity to the panels? Or maybe it was the flawless way that Gattoni was able to capture the clueless innocence of Firestorm as he tries to come to terms with remembering Ronnie’s past. Either way, Gattoni wrapped this issue up in a perfect bow!

Final Thoughts:

Matt: 9.5/10: The Fury of Firestorm #7 is moving into a redemption arc and asking the audience an important question which is can a hero gone rogue, intentionally or not be redeemed? The team is firing on all cylinders and making the reader continuously question who is actually the good guy, keeping in line with the emotional tragedy of Ronnie Raymond.

Megan: 9.5/10. I cannot sing praises high enough about this run! Each issue is emotionally impactful and gives you even more of a connection to the characters. The art is always spectacular. There’s just so much to love about The Fury of Firestorm #7!

Overall Grade: 9.5/10

Let us know your thoughts on The Fury of Firestorm #7 in the comments below!