We continue an apocalyptic tone to this book, and it really is not very veiled. We are dealing with images straight out of the Book of Revelation, much like the limited series KINGDOM COME. You have the anti-christ images and the powerful seeds of hope stunningly juxtaposed. This ersatz Superman is clearly playing the role of 'the beast' found in Revelation itself. Though in this issue we see the first hint that behind the corrupted exterior the honorable and good being he once was may still linger.
Additionally, we have a character who is playing the role of John the Revelator himself, namely Doctor Fate. Fate's helmet has been broken by the anti-superman, an event that really punched me in the gut, as Doctor Fate is one of my favorite characters. Since then he seems to have been babbling, though now it is clear that his babbling is more than just random ravings. Fate is giving clues as to what is about to take place, his ravings are prophetic.
The problem is that most of what he is saying, and its prophetic nature, only becomes clear in hindsight. He speaks in the most symbolic of terms and he is frustrating his comrades. Isn't that always the way it is with prophecy. I am suspicious of all these people who think they have some road map as to what the Book of Revelation means, matching up specific symbols to specific historical events. It should be clear to anyone reading the book that what we are dealing with are vital and holy symbols, that stand in a realm beyond our ability to simply comprehend. There are some clues as to what much of it means, and there is nothing wrong with trying to make connections, but overstating the matter is easy and dangerous. Frustration in the face of mystery is the truest response to prophecy.
The comic book again has the seeds of hope emerging. I am liking this pattern and hope it continues. Green Lantern returns fully recharged, renewed and pissed off. He is being presented now as someone who could conceivably take out Superman and that is a good thing, because he is. Alan Scott is one of my favorite characters in all of comicdom and he has been too underplayed in this most recent series. I hope they push this line to its logical conclusion. But the big twist comes at the end, and I don't want to ruin that for you.
One last word is about the new Red Tornado, who is also Lois Lane resurrected. Lois has become the conscience of this comic book, and I rather like it. She speaks the truth people need to hear, and plays the role of the little voice of reason and virtue that tries to temper the chaos. That conscience itself is in some way incarnated in Red Tornado makes some sense. That Lois' calm and cool demeanor and gentle caring contrasts with her new form makes more sense. Conscience is often like that: quiet and gentle, yet tornadic and transforming, all at the same time.
Storyline: 3.5 Stars
Dialogue: 4 Stars
Pacing: 3.5 Stars
Art: 4 Stars
Overall: 4 Stars
No comments:
Post a Comment