The world of Ghost Machine Pro just got bigger with THE TRILLION DOLLAR KID #1. He has big dreams, and big plans all with a wallet to back it up. Of course, however, things are never as simple as they seem.
Creative Team
Creators: Geoff Johns, Peter J. Tomasi & Francis Manapul;
Story: Geoff Johns & Peter J. Tomasi;
Artist: Stefano Simeone;
Editor: Brian Cunningham;
Cover A: Francis Manapul;
Cover B: Ivan Reis, Danny Miki & Brad Anderson;
Cover C: Stefano Simeone;
Cover D – Design Variant: Francis Manapul;
Letterer: Rob Leigh;
Designer: Steve Blackwell.
The Trillion Dollar Kid #1 from Ghost Machine Pro at Image Comics.
Story for ‘The Trillion Dollar Kid #1’
Thomas “Tommy” Noble Townsend III, is the first ever trillionaire kid, and he’s trying to make the world a better place. He’s improving daily life for those in his town. From parking tickets, to public school transportation Tommy is turning mundane everyday life things into happiness. However, not everyone is eager to partake. While this bothers and confuses Tommy, it’s not his ultimate goal. He has much bigger plans than giving away free hot chocolate in the winter. Determined to figure out what’s going on, Tommy is about to connect some big dots in the Ghost Machine world!
The Art
Tommy has a lot of money, and a big imagination. The art beautifully delivers on those big ideas come to life. Whether we’re in Tommy’s room, at his school, or out and about, the art is gorgeous with amazing colors that perfectly change with the setting. The art seems to match the energy of a hopeful and innocent kid who’s hiding a lot of hurt. One moment we have an amazing shot of a kid enjoying the best way to travel to school imaginable, and then we see the face of a sad kid. A lonely kid, but a determined one.
The Trillion Dollar Kid #1 Variant Cover from Ghost Machine Pro at Image Comics.
The Trillion Dollar Kid #1 Variant Cover from Ghost Machine Pro at Image Comics.
The Trillion Dollar Kid #1 Variant Cover from Ghost Machine Pro at Image Comics.
Final Thoughts
The Trillion Dollar Kid #1 is a fantastic introduction to a new story that connects to the world of Ghost Machine. If you’ve been enjoying other stories from their Family Odyssey collection, you’ll definitely have a Leonardo DiCaprio moment or two. However, if you haven’t, you won’t be lost in the least bit. Nevertheless, I have a feeling it will be a hell of a lot more fun to jump into it all.
In this first issue, not only did we get to know Tommy, and how his story will connect to everything, we also got a glimpse at a new character. One who seems to really enjoy skateboarding. No clue where that character will take us, but I can’t wait to find out.
Overall Grade: 10/10
The World of Ghost Machine once again knocks it out of the park with another amazing story introduction. Whether you’ve already dove into this world or not, you should absolutely pick up The Trillion Dollar Kid #1.
Missions come and go. So many at times that they start to merge and your senses become numb. A combat team is sent on a mission that goes south in a hurry. What can Spider-Man do to help?
Spider-Man: Long Way Home is the newest limited series to be released from Marvel Comics. With its debut issue readers will be introduced to a ground-breaking new story from the ever-talented Jonathan Hickman. Even though this new mini-series is titled “Long Way Home” it has no correlation to any of the movies. This first issue sets the stage for what is going to be an astonishing five-issue series.
Spider-Man: Long Way Home #1, Credit Marvel Comics. Cover by Adam Kubert & Frank Martin.
Issue one is all about telling the backstory of what is to come within this series. Readers are introduced to a handful of characters, some of which are very popular in their own right. This story starts off with a special forces team that is sent to do a “smash and grab” style mission to retrieve an item they know nothing about. This team is very fluid and good at what they do. This mission however is not sitting well with some of the members. But a mission is a mission.
As you read on throughout this issue you are introduced to another highly aggressive character, Hulk. Yes, Hulk makes his presence very well known to the special forces team, and they are in way over their heads when they attempt to confront him. I’m sure you can make your own assumptions as to the outcome of that situation. Hulk is on a mission as well though, to obtain the same item the special forces team is after. Which leads to some amazing fight panels and pages that are spectacular to look at!
Now you are probably asking yourself, “Where is Spider-Man?” Slow down, he’s coming! Towards the end of this issue is when our friendly neighborhood Spider-Man gets called into action. After the intense fight between Hulk and the special forces team, Spider-Man is called to the scene of the fight to analyze what took place. Spider-Man is working alongside S.H.I.E.L.D. to clean up the mess that is left behind. Spider-Man is overcome with sorrow and intimidation when he is informed of the Hulk’s involvement. Things just got a little more interesting for the next issue of this series.
The Writing
Jonathan Hickman is an iconic Spider-Man writer, and this first issue displays to readers why. The layout for this issue is strictly setting the plot and the direction of the story. In my humble opinion, that is fantastic! I enjoy being given background information that allows the story to build as it continues. The plot for this story is so solid that Hulk himself couldn’t smash it. The flow of the story is very smooth and fluid so readers can enjoy the story rather than struggle keeping up with various details scattered about. Fantastic work!
The Artwork
Adam Kubert and Arthur Hesli bring to this issue the necessary feel for this story regarding the art. The art is rough, dark and gritty throughout. Making this feel like a scene from an old war movie. Then you have the fight panels and pages! These areas are bright with color and details that make you feel like you are there. I enjoyed looking at every panel as I read this story!
VC’s Ariana Maher provides the lettering for this issue and continues to shine as a staple within her profession. The sizing and placement of the comment bubbles is spot on! Ariana has always produced amazing work, and this is just another notch in that belt!
Variant Covers
Bjorn Barends Magic The Gathering
Dave Johnson
Mark Brooks
Stephen Platt 1:25
Bjorn Barends Magic The Gathering Virgin 1:50
Mark Brooks Virgin 1:100
Final Thoughts
This new limited series is proving to be very captivating! This first issue leaves readers wanting to know more about so many things that you have no choice but to continue to read! Why is Hulk after this artifact, and what is Spider-Man going to do when he has to confront him? I have my assumptions but those will have to wait till more of this series comes out. The creative team for this issue work so well together to bring such an amazing book to fans. Be sure to pick this title up from your local shop today!
Upon finding her grandma dazed and confused, Tabby calls the oil company, which sends out representative Thomas Morton. As the duo is searching for answers, things start to get weird. Is it that Texas heat playing tricks on their mind, or something evil at work?
Of Earth #2. Credit Image Comics. Cover by Charlie Adlard.
Creative Team:
Chris Condon, Andrew Ehrich, Charlie Adlard, Pip Martin, Hasson Otsmane-Elhaou, and Michael Tivey.
SPOILERS AHEAD
The Story:
Picking up where the first issue left off, Chris is slowly turning up the heat and building up suspense with this story. While her grandmother is alive, she is in a state of unresponsive shock the entire issue, and honestly, fewer things creep me out than an old person in a horror setting. Every page turn is built up as though we are getting ready to be met with a jump scare, and Chris and Andrew do an incredible job of keeping us with that feeling throughout. As Thomas Morton arrives to begin taking a look, we’re also met with a mysterious figure, and the math equation is starting to take shape with no clear answer yet. Less is more when building a suspenseful horror tale, and the duo perfectly understands that, as there isn’t an overcrowding of dialogue or characters at any point. In fact, with the help of Hassan’s lettering, they do a wonderful job at making the reader feel as though we’re right there beside them as they’re uncovering more and more throughout the issue. I cannot get enough of how well-crafted this plot and story are.
The Art:
Pip and Charlie continue to make us feel like we need a shower in the worst way. As not only is the sweltering heat brought to life, but now we’re adding in thick oil to boot. The duo doesn’t do anything fancy in terms of drawing and detailing Tabby’s grandmother, yet there is just enough about the wide-eyed, open-mouthed stare she gives that will send chills down your spine. In fact, I kept half expecting the grandma to leap up from her seat at times and almost felt as though she was staring into my soul.
I love the dusk setting we transition into with this issue and how blended the hazy heat in the distance is while throwing in the mysterious figure they see. The art is doing more with less and it’s giving life to the uncomfortable and dirty feeling we continuously feel with this run.
Final Thoughts:
Of Earth #2 knows how to set the tone and build up the suspense. By using the art to make it just unpolished enough and detailed enough to leave the reader feeling grimy and on edge, Chris and Andrew weave the plot in such a way that it has us waiting for that jump-scare moment. I’m absolutely loving this run, and I need answers as to what is happening! Make sure you’re checking this book out; it’s worth adding into the pull pile!
The mystery behind who has been killing the Elites brings Dinah to dig up Oliver’s past and takes her off the beaten path. The more she digs into who killed Oliver Queen, the deeper the mystery becomes, and if she’s not careful, Dinah may be putting Ollie’s loved ones in the crosshairs of this deadly longbow hunter!
This review is brought to you by Nerd Initiative’s Megan and Matt!
Creative Team:
Pornsak Pichetshote, Rafael Albuquerque, Marcel Maiolo, and Jeff Powell.
Writing
Matt: Issue 2 takes us deep into Ollie’s past and digs up some surprising characters that I didn’t think we would be seeing. Mia Dearden was a welcome sight for one, as Pornsak introduces her in perhaps one of the most badass introductions of a character we’ve gotten. The dialogue being about Billionaires and Dinah boxing Mia felt like a fair taste of meta commentary relating to the real world in such a crafty manner. The way these two both knew Oliver and both have a history, while Pornsak brings that out in a boxing ring, showed how strong these two women are, and I am here for it so much.
Absolute Green Arrow #2. Credit DC Comics. Cover by Rafael Albuquerque and Marcelo Maiolo.
The story continues to be a thriller wrapped up in suspenseful moments. Dinah’s going off the beaten path, and we are introduced to another character from Green Arrow’s lore. I was surprised to see this character brought in, but was excited all at once. Pornsak leaves us with more questions on the final page of this issue, as we are no closer to solving who is under the hood, and honestly, it’s a good thing!
Megan:Absolute Green Arrow gets more and more compelling with issue two. The second issue puts us even deeper into the mystery, and brings even more complications for Dinah. Absolute Black Canary has witnessed more death than she can handle, even going as far as triggering her nose bleeds. That streak doesn’t seem to be ending any time soon, especially with a masked killer on the loose, taking out victims one by one with green arrows. In this issue, a huge secret is revealed about Oliver Queen’s life, one that adds even more questions. With new characters at play, like Mia Dearden, Dinah has no one she can trust, and no one she can keep alive long enough to find answers to her endless questions.
Pornsak Pichetshote is packing such a huge punch with this series so far, and it’s only just begun. Pichetshote knows exactly how to get the readers hooked into the story with his incredible writing, and knows how to leave the reader wanting more by the last page. With so much mystery, so much violence, and so much depth, there’s no telling where Absolute Green Arrow is going to go, but I am very excited to follow along.
Art
Matt: Rafael draws up some absolutely gorgeous panels in this issue. I love when a splash page is framed in such a way that there is detail hidden throughout it. Dinah is struggling, and there are puzzle pieces built around this page that help serve as visual cues, catching us up on who the victims have been. Mix that with Marcelo’s coloring on this page, and it’s truly beautiful. The pink and black colors paint a grizzly picture as Dinah is recounting what we know so far. The shading and the detail are on point with Mia and Dinah when they come to blows in the boxing ring. We’re getting wonderful dialogue expanding on the shared history, and as we do, there are heavy punches and kicks being landed. As the scene unfolds, the duo are taking damage, and we see that in how they show Mia’s bloodshot, swollen eye. Jeff also does something fun with the lettering. Which is having dialogue on top of another character’s dialogue, bringing to life how we can block out what someone’s saying at times. These touches are what stand out to me throughout this second issue.
Megan: The artwork is so raw and so gritty, it perfectly puts the reader right into the story. Having the grittiness in the art that’s pulling from the story, it’s easy to experience the story’s tones. Rafael Albuquerque and Marcel Maiolo work perfectly off each other, with Albuquerque’s drawings and Maiolo’s colors. Where I think the artists’ talents shine the brightest is in the action of the comic. Absolute Green Arrow #2 packs a punch. Especially with Dinah involved, and the reader feels like they’re apart of the action with how detailed the panels are.
Jeff Powell handles the lettering, and perfectly captures the emotions of the story through the dialogue. With Powell’s excellent use of sound effects, the reader gets to experience the story in a bigger and more in depth way. All in all, the artists truly outdid themselves with Absolute Green Lantern #2.
Final Thoughts
Matt: 10/10 Absolute Green Arrow #2 takes us deeper into the mystery of who our killer is. This issue brings us to familiar faces within the Green Arrow lore and shrouds us in mystery even more than before. The blend of action and suspense is working cleverly, making this a horror story of sorts. I will have this run at the very top of my pull pile every month; I hope it gets expanded beyond its current limited run.
Megan:10/10Absolute Green Arrow #2 is an excellent continuation of the darkness that came from the first issue, and shows that the first issue was so much more than just a strong start. The mystery surrounding the story is perfectly executed, keeping the reader on their toes. The artwork is a masterclass in how to perfectly portray the emotions of a story. In short, the creative team deserves all their flowers.
Overall Grade: 10/10
How are you liking Absolute Green Arrow? Let us know in the comments
As Wally searches for more answers as to what happened to his dad, Ray Palmer, and Barry, he senses Grodd is in danger! It’s a race against time as Wally and Linda aren’t the only ones looking for Grodd and his father, with all signs leading towards Colorado.
Absolute Flash #16. Credit DC Comics. Cover by Nick Robles.
Creative Team: Jeff Lemire, Adriano Lucas, Nick Robles, Haining, and Tom Napolitano.
SPOILERS AHEAD
The Story:
What’s making this run so endearing for me personally is the characters and how Jeff has been slowly building relationships between them. For example, Linda has become crucial to the story as she is notoriously Wally’s lightning rod, but I am loving how Jeff has written her to be fearless and down for anything. She leaps into action without a second thought despite not having super speed, and the way she and Wally complement one another has become incredibly beautiful to see play out.
Another character with so much depth is Grodd. He and Wally have a sibling-like relationship between them, and throwing in Linda with her childlike excitement makes this trio so much fun. Lemire opts to have Grodd’s father be the antagonist in this issue, and we get a hint of his true abilities, taking this story up a level as well.
The Art and Letters:
The artwork switches between a nighttime setting full of darker colors and then bursts with our characteristic brightness as Wally uses his abilities. Robles does subtle things with the detail, such as how Linda is drawn more solidly and then Wally, as he is using his speed, almost seems see-through at times, which I find captures my attention. Lucas throws in a green outline of Papa Grodd against the vibrant yellows, and the color scheme actually works rather than mashes against one another. They continue to find these details and subtle shifts within the art that assist the narration and plot. Tom adds a level of bass and ferocity to Grodd’s father’s voice in the lettering that brings intensity to the panels and the situation at hand. It’s what we’d expect from a giant-sized ape bent on revenge.
Final Thoughts:
Absolute Flash #16 is bringing things more into focus as the fallout from Thawne’s experiments is beginning to take shape. Lemire is doing an incredible job making us invested in these characters, as the art team is using subtle shifts in coloring and detail to push the narration in different directions. With each passing issue, Absolute Flash rises in the ranks for me in the universe.
The tournament has become a blood-soaked burial ground as Kai, Abigail, and Sara are plotting their last-ditch, desperate attempt at escaping. The epic finale is here as the survivors must square off against the Yautja if they hope to escape with their lives!
Predator Bloodshed #5. Credit Marvel Comics. Ken Lashley.
Creative Team: Jordan Morris, Roland Boschi, Ruairi Coleman, Roberto Poggi, Dee Cunnifffe, VC’s Travis Lanham, and Ken Lashley.
SPOILERS AHEAD
The Story:
Jordan executes this finale in such a fun and creative way that it doesn’t turn into one big, convoluted fight fest. The action is still there; Sara steps up to the plate and takes on the Yautja one-on-one, and their fight is a lot of fun. Morris has the two come to blows, with each landing their respective hits, and pays homage to the Predator fights of old. An underrated aspect of this run was spending time getting to know the key players, and this issue we get to know Kai a bit. Having a child changes your life forever, and seeing where Kai came from and how he craved fighting and needed that dopamine hit, to a place where having Cody and Maxine and finding his peace. It shows depth to these characters and how multifaceted they are. In the end, I love how Morris has everyone take damage in some way, and the book is left open-ended while still getting a happy ending.
The Art and Letters:
The coloring work done by Dee is some really fine work, especially in terms of the action. The way Dee colored and shaded the panel where the Yautja is ripping out a spine was one of my favorite moments. Having the Yautja darkened out while the metallic spine gleamed against the dark blood and darker background highlighted the ferocity of this battle. The art team manages to give the Yautja personality and various expressions despite it being one big ugly son of a gun. As the issue and this run end, the art team, along with Travis, changes up to brighter colors and a happier tone, giving us a great feeling to leave on, as well as foreshadowing something ominous as the issue ends.
Final Thoughts:
Predator Bloodshed is a fun mash-up of Street Fighter meets Predator. This run was full of beautiful homages to this classic franchise while introducing blood-soaked, action-packed moments. Jordan and the team did this franchise justice and I hope to get to see more from them down the road!
Conquest has arrived on planet, and things are not entirely as genuine as portrayed. Battle Beast can sense that at once! What will become of this initial interaction between Battle Beast and Conquest?
Issue ten of Battle Beast is where things start to pick up again for this series! The ever-powerful Invincible character, Conquest, has arrived on planet Fantania with intentions that potentially could be good. King Salaka is ecstatic to speak with Conquest about the future between their respective factions. But things take a turn when Battle Beast is brought into the equation.
Invincible Universe: Battle Beast #10, Credit Image Comics & Skybound. Cover by Ryan Ottley & Annalisa Leoni
Conquest takes an unexpected interest in Battle Beast. This is where readers will get more backstory about Battle Beast that may have been forgotten since the beginning of the series. Battle Beast isn’t as smitten to Conquest as the King is. His name alone is a trigger to Battle Beast. The same can be said about Conquest in regard to Battle Beast!
This is when readers will finally get what they have been wanting for the past two issues! Battle Beast versus Conquest! I will openly admit to you that I have only watched the first season of the Invincible show on Amazon Prime Video. But I have being reading Battle Beast since it was released! That being said, I don’t know too much about Conquest, the character. It is within this issue that there is time spent explaining and understanding who both these warriors are. I humbly appreciate that Kirkman took the time within panels of this issue to give readers that information.
The ending of this issue brings readers along on an epic battle with entertaining dialogue from both warriors. Pulling in special fighting techniques from them both as well. Readers are going to be enthralled with this battle with an ending I personally did not see coming!
The Writing
Robert Kirkman delivers a dynamic build up to the battle that ensues later in the issue. The use of witty dialogue mixed with informative narration demands every bit of the reader’s attention. The play on words when transitioning from Conquest’s initial intentions to his newfound interest in Battle Beast is overly entertaining! There is also a bit of comedic humor from King Salaka and his naiveness towards Conquest. Fantastic storytelling overall!
The Artwork
Ryan Ottley and Annalisa Leoni provide yet another product of their professionalism! The art within this issue is so captivating to the eyes. I’ve mentioned before in a previous review of mine that I enjoy reading a comic twice. Once for the story, and a second just to “read” the art. Perfect art in comics is when readers know the story just from the art. This issue does just that! I could look over the art and know exactly where the story was going without the words. Impeccable job!
Now do not take my comments above as a recommendation to not read the words. The lettering of comics is just as important as the writing and the artwork. The lettering for this issue by Rus Wooton is on the same level as the writing and art! Perfect placement even with the amount of larger dialogue bubbles! Awesome job!
Variant Covers
Joshua Cassara
Chris Burnham 1:10
Mirka Andolfo 1:25
Mark Englert 1:50
Alec Bezzina 1:100
Final Thoughts
Issue ten is a staple for this series of Battle Beast! With this being within the Invincible Universe readers finally get a battle between warriors they have been waiting for. Entertaining storytelling aided by gorgeous art! Battle Beast fans will not want to miss this issue when these two titans collide! This looks to be a battle for the ages and Battle Beast’s toughest bout yet!
Bruce is squaring off against the Robins as his former friends have become enemies, and the mysterious Mr. Grimm pays Bruce a visit he won’t soon forget.
Absolute Batman #21. Credit DC Comics. Cover by Nick Dragotta and Frank Martin.
Creative Team: Scott Snyder, Nick Dragotta, Frank Martin, and Tom Napolitano.
SPOILERS AHEAD
The Story:
I feel like I may be a bit of a broken record at this point, because somehow and some way Snyder digs deeper into his bag, and I feel like this is when fire was first discovered. The first half of the book is Batman fighting for the love of the game. He’s unhinged and letting off steam as we pick up with his battle against the Robins and their mech suits once more. Harley and Alfred are a fun duo because they could not be more different, and yet their characters work so well together. Harley being the one to offer a lesson on Bats and save Bruce is poetic, and I don’t want to see her as a villain again, honestly.
What continues to stand out for me is how every character in this run has their moments of development in these issues. Penguin, Dent, and Edward all succumb to allowing their past selves to die and take on their new villainous roles. Barbara speaks briefly at her father’s funeral as we say goodbye, and we’re inching closer to seeing her become Batgirl (announced at Heroes Con!) However, the final few pages are an absolutely stunning work in storytelling. Grimm and Bruce face to face, and we see how stoic and terrifying Grimm is. There are hints to Joker and Bat-girl’s relationship history, but the conversation as lettered by Tom will send chills throughout your body. And in the final panel, is that Man-Bat?!
The Art:
Dragotta and Martin have some stellar shots in this issue. The scene of Bruce standing overlooking Gotham with a few buildings peeking over the clouds offers a sense of peacefulness. The soft blue sky and the haze of the city are drawn so well. During the fight with the Robins, the massive splash page with the credits was amazing. Bruce is drawn like a god and has the most unhinged smile on his face. I love what the duo did on that page. However, I cannot say enough about how creepy and terrifying they made Grimm’s transition from businessman to creature. It felt slightly Pennywise-inspired in the panel where he shouts at Bruce, causing him to fall before catching him. It was every bit incredible, and the way we leave this issue has me beyond excited.
Final Thoughts:
Again, call me a broken record, but every issue Absolute Batman finds a new gear and throws something new at us. I’m in love with this run, and the final few pages had me out of my seat. IS there a comic hall of fame? This team is first ballot.
Lobo is back on the job and is ready to take care of business! After sitting at home waiting for his new orders, Lobo gets the job of a lifetime; to break into the Fortress of Solitude. Well, kind of. As Maynard calls it, it’s the Fortress of Store-itude. It’s a fake Fortress that’s for the tourists, but it hides a Kryptonian storage unit underground, and that’s where Lobo’s big treasure is at. While it may seem easy enough for Lobo to break into a storage unit, he doesn’t account for a Kryptonian to show up. Lobo is doing his best to break into the alien warehouse, and all of the sudden Kara Zor-El graces his presence. Kara isn’t here to mess around, and Lobo isn’t here to leave empty handed, so they’re at an impasse. The only way out of this is to fight!
Cover art by Jorge Corona and Jean-Francois Beaulieu. Published by DC Comics
Skottie Young continues to make Lobo a fraggin’ good time with the Main Man in his new job. This time, the excitement was turned up to an 11 with Kara in the mix. As a fan of both of the characters, it was a wildly good time to see these two battle it out with their sassy commentary taking you through the whole fight. I swear, this run gets better and better with every issue! If you haven’t checked it out yet, there’s no time like the present!
The Art
With art as wild and unhinged as the Main Man himself, Jorge Corona, Jean-Francois Beaulieu, and Nate Piekos knocked this out of the park. Corona brings very detailed panels that give you so much on every page. Along with that, we get to see Lobo in quite a few different places, all with very different vibes. Each place has its own charm with gorgeous drawings and beautiful and vibrant colors.
Beaulieu handles the colors and to say each page is absolutely stunning would still be an understatement. There’s a great juxtaposition with the darker tones and bright vibrancy that takes centerstage on the pages. Beaulieu does another fantastic job with making Lobo #4 as gorgeous as it is unhinged.
Nate Piekos handles the lettering and delivers quality work, which isn’t a surprise given how talented he is. There’s a perfectly even flow of dialogue that matches the tones of the story masterfully. Along with that, there’s a lot of perfectly used sound effects that allow the reader to experience the comic in an even more in-depth way.
Final Thoughts
The creative team does it again! Lobo #4 is a fantastic comic that fits in well with the overall quality of the series. Lobo versus Supergirl was a great time all around and I can’t wait to see how it ends.
Overall Grade – 10/10
Let me know in the comments what you thought of Lobo #4!
This review was written by Megan from the Vigilante Vibes Podcast! If you liked my review, be sure to check out my other reviews! Let me know what you think of Lobo #4, or tell me what comics you’d recommend me trying out! Find me on my socials, and check out my Marvel podcast, Vigilante Vibes, by clicking here!
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.
Redcoat #18. Credit Ghost Machine/Image Comics.
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!
