Review – Captain Marvel #22 (Marvel Comics)

Coming Back to The End In Captain Marvel #22

Now that the events of Empyre have concluded, it’s time to dive into a whole new plot arc for Carol Danvers. In Captain Marvel #22, things are about to change, and yet some of those changes feel hauntingly familiar…

The events in this issue tie indirectly what events from Captain Marvel: The End #1, so I would strongly suggest fans go back and read that first if they haven’t already. The plot will still make sense without it, but many vital context will be lost (not to mention spoilers).

Seeing this plot rear its head again is both bitter and sweet, for reasons that many surely already understand. Yet there’s also a sense of lingering hope – hope that this time, Captain Marvel can make a change without the high costs.

Writing

Captain Marvel #22 is an issue full of beautiful highs and intense lows. It encompasses many details from recent plot arcs for Carol and then some. Written by Kelly Thompson, this issue is one whirlwind of a read.

There’s a lot to love about this issue – there are a few feel-good moments earlier on, all of which were setting the scene. It is a classic trope, but one that was used to great effect here. Combined with the character cameos, it will make you smile.

Right before everything changes, that is. If you’ve read the events in Captain Marvel: The End #1, the odds are good that you’re probably already trying to guess at what those changes are. After all, that was an iconic moment in her history.

There’s a lot to take in over the course of this single issue—lots of changes and even more characters. Not to mention all of the hints and implications about what has happened. All things considered, this is one heck of a start for a new plot arc. It has raised so many questions and will keep readers waiting for the next issue to drop.

Art

Captain Marvel #22 is full to the brim of bold and brilliant artwork – courtesy of Lee Garbett (art), Tamra Bonvillain (colors), and VC’s Clayton Cowles (letters). It’s an issue specifically designed to elicit as much emotion as possible, all while starting a new and thrilling tale.

The characters are instantly recognizable, which doesn’t sound like a feat, but trust me, given the situation, it is. Likewise, the newly introduced characters have fascinating designs, most of which hints at their origins.

Then there’s that color palette! The colors are divine, with even the backdrops getting a heavy dose of bold coloring. It’s all thematically appropriate while also being memorable.

There’s a stark transition that occurs in this issue, and the artists did an excellent job of portraying it. There is no concern revolving around the show and tell in this instance – even a glance can make the change clear as day.

Conclusion

Captain Marvel #22 is the start of a new plot arc for Carol, and yet it is one that feels familiar. Connected to Captain Marvel: The End, this plot is going to give fans a chance to finally get some answers, all while leaving room for hope. And concern. Only time will tell how Carol is going to resolve the current situation she’s found herself in.

This review was originally written for Word of the Nerd, but has been ported over to Quirky Cat’s Fat Stacks now that the site has shut down.

Review – Death’s Head #1 (Marvel Comics)

Trials, Tribulations, and Deception in Death’s Head #1, Yes?

Death’s Head has finally gotten his own miniseries, and you just know he’s going to make the most of it. The robotic bounty hunter has always had a way of getting himself into the most unique circumstances, and we’re sure that’s not going to stop now.

Death’s Head #1 introduces our protagonist (not to be confused with hero) and the new mess he’s gotten himself into this time. There are plenty of cameos to be found as well, so fans all over are likely going to enjoy this issue.

This series is going to be a bit out there for some. But for fans of the character, it’s guaranteed to be a bucket of laughs, Yes?

Writing

Tini Howard didn’t waste any time introducing our main character or the plot he’s dealing with. Given that this series will only be four issues long, that makes quite a bit of sense. Due to that, Death’s Head #1 is a true whirlwind of events. But it’s a fun sort of chaos that can only come from quirky characters like this one.

It’s always interesting to see what secondary characters will get pulled into a miniseries like this one. That being said, they made some solid choices here. None of the characters are large enough to be distracting on their own, so they’re perfect supporting characters. Even the ones that are doing the exact opposite of supporting Death’s Head. And trust me, there’s a lot of that going around.

While this issue doesn’t take a lot of time explaining the character’s backstory, new fans could likely pick up this issue and get a general idea of what is happening. However, they would likely miss out on several references. The humor would remain intact, at least.

Art

The artwork in Death’s Head #1 is something to behold. It manages to keep up with Death’s Head’s antics, the multiple characters introduced, and some of the quirkiness that comes with outerverse characters like this one.

Kei Zama is the lead artist for the issue, while Felipe Sobreiro did the coloring. Both were effective on their own, but together they’re truly stand out. Zama had a lot of fun drawing some of these characters and scenes, while Sobreiro made them shine.

There were some genuinely odd scenes rendered here and several that moved as quickly as the pace. But there was never any issue telling what was going on, in a visual sense. Even when the pages were at their most cluttered, it’s an impressive feat.

Conclusion

Death’s Head #1 is the start of an insane and hilarious new miniseries. I can see why they are limited to four issues, even while considering it a shame that it won’t go on longer. It’s already proving to be just as fun and chaotic as expected. And it’s pulled in even more named Marvel characters than I was expecting.

This series will be absolutely perfect for all the fans of this bounty hunter. New fans could be found here as well, though I don’t know how they’ll take some of the more specific references. Especially given the lack of hand-holding that occurs. I think it’s worth a shot, especially since it’s such a short run.

This review was originally written for Word of the Nerd, but has been ported over to Quirky Cat’s Fat Stacks now that the site has shut down.

Review – Captain Marvel #20 (Marvel Comics)

Captain Marvel #20: A New Force To Be Reckoned With

Woah, are we getting Captain Marvel two weeks in a row? This is the break we needed in 2020. But seriously, Captain Marvel #20 is a perfectly timed issue. Especially considering how well it ties into the more significant events of the universe.

The last three issues of Captain Marvel have tied directly into the Empyre event occurring in Marvel. That being said, you don’t need to follow that significant arc if you don’t want to (though I am enjoying it). You will get some spoilers for that event, but at least you can still enjoy your normal dose of Carol Danvers.

Honestly, this issue has already made its way into my list of favorites from Carol’s series, though for various reasons. It just goes to show that there’s still so much left to Captain Marvel’s story.

Writing

Captain Marvel #20 was written by Kelly Thompson, and it shows. There’s so much going on within these pages, yet it all seems to fit perfectly together. Even when taking the larger event into account, it still feels…right.

The inclusion of several other heroes certainly didn’t hurt (see the cover). It made me want to see this team become a more permanent fixture. Realistically, that’s not going to happen. But a girl can dream.

This issue perfectly balances the humor with reality. Given that there’s a war going on, the latter probably isn’t all that surprising. Yet, there are still plenty of moments for beloved characters to shine here.

Though it’s the smaller moments that add a lot of depth to what is happening here. Moments between the characters that could easily be overlooked if not for how carefully written (and sweet) they are.

When it’s all put together, it makes for a brilliant issue. Some feel-good moments, some butt-kicking moments (naturally), some tension, and some laughs. It’s a recipe that Thompson has mastered and put to significant effect here.

Art

The artwork within Captain Marvel #20 is bold and brave – much like the character, it’s supporting. The new team looks fantastic in their new outfit, and the design of the latest character is excellent (and commented upon, a nice touch).

Cory Smith (pencils) and Adriano Di Benedetto (inks) worked together to bring this plot to life. Carol’s looking fierce, as is her crew. Their work allowed the big moments and the little moments to shine side by side, and it is precisely what this plot needed.

Meanwhile, Tamra Bonvillain provided those fantastic colors that she’s known so well for. Everything seems to pop off the pages, with certain elements grabbing the eyes more effectively than others. Most notably, the latest power source/weapon (again, take a peek at that cover).

VC’s Clayton Cowles provided the lettering for this issue, and there are some great moments thanks to his work. Most notably, there’s an iconic scene at the end that wouldn’t have had nearly the same level of impact without such a creative delivery.

Conclusion

Captain Marvel #20 carries forward so many different elements, all of which flawlessly work together to create something grand and exciting. This is by far one of the best tie-in arcs seen in quite some time, providing lots of fun and character development all at once.

This review was originally written for Word of the Nerd, but has been ported over to Quirky Cat’s Fat Stacks now that the site has shut down.

Review – Doctor Mirage #5 (Valiant Entertainment)

Everything Must End: Doctor Mirage #5

All things must come to an end. That is the nature of things. And that is the fact that all comic book fans have come to terms with. And yet, it’s a lesson that Shan had never quite learned. Not until Doctor Mirage #5, where she’s finally forced to come to terms with reality.

Doctor Mirage’s latest series has been psychedelic and dramatic, proving that you can indeed combine those elements with shockingly intense emotional scenes. So it’s no surprise to learn that Doctor Mirage #5 has upped the ante to bring us a dramatic conclusion.

As always, it’s sad to see a brilliant series go. But it is always better to see the tale end when it should rather than see it get stretched out beyond reason. And this fact runs some ironic parallels with the plot itself.

Writing

Wow. What an ending! Magdalane Visaggio’s Doctor Mirage series has been full of surprises. But none so surprising as Doctor Mirage #5. It’s dramatic and emotional and carries with it several heavy points that it wants to make.

This issue is what the entire series has been building up to. And in some ways, it’s the issue that Doctor Mirage’s entire backlog has been building to as well. It’s the natural progression for both her plot and her character.

And it’s a very poignant and moving issue. This was not an easy issue to read in that it will elicit all sorts of reactions and emotions from the readers. The juxtaposition between life and death, love and loss, is so overwhelmingly strong in this issue. You can’t avoid it, nor can you run from it. And there’s a lesson in that.

Art

Throughout Doctor Mirage, fans have come to expect a few things from this series. Vibrant colors, psychedelic scenes, and a delicate balance between action and introspective nature. And Doctor Mirage #5 is full of all of that.

It is arguably the most surreal issue of the series, in some ways. The colors and scenes portrayed are dramatic and entirely out of this world. And yet, there’s so much depth behind everything that is happening. It’s awe-inspiring.

Nick Robles’ artwork is truly remarkable here, giving us a version of Shan as we’ve never seen her before. The character expressions are a highlight in this issue, as is the way he portrays powers and spirits.

And it’s no surprise that Jordie Bellaire’s colors are blinding in their brightness, giving the series that hallucinogenic vibe I’ve talked so much about. The colors are so vibrant as to almost feel like they have a life of their own. And that fits in perfectly with this plot.

And finally, Dave Sharpe did it again. His understated and careful lettering really brought the whole issue together. It’s everything a fan could have hoped to see.

Conclusion

Doctor Mirage #5 was a breathtaking read. As with any series conclusion, it had a strong bittersweet sense to it. But it also fulfilled the promises that have been made during the entire arc.

It may have left fans with many questions. But it also left one single, vitally important promise. That promise? Doctor Mirage will be back.

This review was originally written for Word of the Nerd, but has been ported over to Quirky Cat’s Fat Stacks now that the site has shut down.

Manga Monday: When Will Ayumu Make His Move? Vol. 1

Series: When Will Ayumu Make His Move
Author/Artist: Soichiro Yamamoto
Publisher: Kodansha Comics
Released: September 21, 2021
Received: NetGalley

When Will Ayumu Make His Move? Vol. 1 caught my eye as the cover and title are actually pretty cute! This is perfect for readers who love it when romance and humor come together in manga, as there is undoubtedly a fair amount of both. Also, it’s from the creator of Teasing Master Takagi-san.

Yaotome and Ayumu both have feelings for each other. Yaotome is perfectly fine with doing something about those feelings, but she wants Ayumu to make the first move. Unfortunately for both of them, Ayumu has made himself a promise.

His promise is that he will not declare his feelings for Yaotome until after he beats her fair and square in a game of shogi. This might not ordinarily be a problem, but Yaotome hosts a shogi club (a two-person club, mind you), and she is extremely talented…where Ayumu…well, let’s just say he’s still learning.

When Will Ayumu Make His Move? Vol. 1 is a quick, fun, and charming read. It doesn’t take much to understand the core concept – where this series shines is with the characters. Ayumu and Yaotome both have strong personalities, not to mention strong feelings for one another. And yet they keep dancing around and around, neither being fully willing to share how they feel.

In Ayumu’s case, his unwillingness to share his feelings due to a promise he made (to himself) is pretty comical at times. It’s cute that he’s trying too hard with Yaotome, but sometimes it feels like he’s lost the forest for the trees.

Thanks to Kodansha Comics and #NetGalley for making this book available for review. All opinions expressed are my own.

Review – Captain Marvel #19 (Marvel Comics)

The Trials of War and Families in Captain Marvel #19

Captain Marvel #19 continues the explosive tie-in to Marvel’s Empyre event. The Avengers, and every other living creature for that matter, is facing war like no other. During this time, Carol herself has gone through many changes.

Not least of which is the latest bit of news she’s received. The last issue dropped quite the proverbial bomb on Carol, and now we see the fallout of that news. All while the war still wages on, naturally.

This issue masterfully shows off the ability to multitask. Not just on Carol’s part, but for the writing and creative team as well. All things told this is one that fans are not going to want to miss out on.

Writing

Captain Marvel #19 is a finely crafted balance. With emotional scenes, humor, and tension doled out in ways that only Kelly Thompson can manage. This issue isn’t afraid to throw everything at Carol and thus the readers.

There is so much to love about this issue (even if you’re not following the event itself). Thompson has created a thrilling issue, with lots of jokes and references strewn around. Plus, there’s some precious Chewie content, and who doesn’t love that?

Don’t get me wrong – there’s a serious nature to this issue as well. My heart just happened to latch on to all of the good moments. The war and Carol’s latest investigation are still ongoing, and there’s literally no avoiding those facts.

Honestly, I can’t help but hope that some of the plot points introduced for this arc stick around. Okay, mostly, I just mean one major plot point, and it’s probably pretty obvious which one I mean. It’s been a shockingly…cute addition to her series, one I didn’t expect. Yet it makes Carol feel even more human (which is ironic, I know).

As somebody who has been keeping up with Empyre, and all of the issues connected to it, I have to say that this one is my favorite. The whole Captain Marvel event has been stellar, providing a story true to her character while still forcing her to deal with the larger events of the Marvel Universe.

Art

Captain Marvel #19 had a brilliant art team to support the tale. It also happens to have two of my favorite covers for her series so far, which is a nice bonus. Credit to Jorge Molina and Ariel Olivetti for those fantastic covers.

Working on this issue, you’ll find; Cory Smith (pencils), Andriano di Benedetto (inks), Tamra Bonvillain (colors), and VC’s Clayton Cowles (letters). Together they created something that held to the balance Thompson created.

It’s tense, it’s full of action, and it has some sincerely adorable moments to fill in the gaps. As well as those humor-tinted scenes. Altogether, it makes for a visually compelling read. Carol looks bold and dynamic – as do the characters that pop out of Empyre for this issue.

The colors are bright, as one would expect when Bonvillain is at the helm. And I have to bring this up one more time; the panels, including Chewie, are some of my favorites. We all need more Chewie in our lives (I know I do).

Conclusion

Captain Marvel #19 was the perfect blend of plot and event tie-in. The adventure that Carol is on is not one we expected, but it’s been brilliant nonetheless. The war is affecting her life, as it’s affecting everyone else. Yet, she might be gaining something in the process and assuming that things aren’t about to go horribly wrong (fingers crossed).

If you haven’t been reading Empyre, some of the events in this issue might be a little bit confusing, but frankly not as much as you might expect. The series has done its best to make the event palatable for everyone, and it shows. So please don’t let the event scare you off from keeping up to date with your favorite heroes. (Though I may be biased here, as I’ve been enjoying the event itself as well).

This review was originally written for Word of the Nerd, but has been ported over to Quirky Cat’s Fat Stacks now that the site has shut down.

Review – Doctor Mirage #4 (Valiant Entertainment)

The Unpredictable Nature of Being Dead in Doctor Mirage #4

Doctor Mirage has been a harrowing yet brilliant series. And Doctor Mirage #4 continues that trend – being utterly unafraid in regards to pulling punches. This is a quest that exposes our beloved characters’ souls (and secrets), all while making her doubt everything that she sees.

The latest round of Mirage’s series has been a warped and psychedelic retelling of Dante’s Inferno. With a teenage girl guiding Virgil, Doctor Mirage has to find her way out of hell. Only, nothing is quite as it seems, now is it?

This series is perfect for fans of Doctor Mirage. But it’s also perfect for anybody looking on a strange and disturbing take on what the underworld could possibly look like. The entire series has featured some genuinely mind-blowing artwork to support the journey that Mirage has been forced to undertake.

Writing

Doctor Mirage #4 was an issue unafraid to take some risks. In that sense, it was a perfect fit with the rest of the series. Mirage has gone through hell (no pun intended) these last few issues. And yet, it’s clear that she has only begun to see the depth of the danger that she is in.

Magdalene Visaggio has done an excellent job of writing a complex and elegant series thus far. There are obvious comparisons between Shan (Mirage) and Dante, Grace, and Virgil. But there are also so many unique and surprising twists as well.

The blend of the expected and unexpected has resulted in a unique reading experience-one that is truly memorable. And okay, it’s also more than a little bit nerve-wracking to read, as fans find themselves concerned about the fate of Mirage.

The series has been in a constant pattern. It’ll answer questions but then raise even more along the way. It’s kept the reader invested, giving us just enough to go on while leaving us desperate to see more. And yes, Doctor Mirage #4 continues that pattern.

Art

The artwork behind Doctor Mirage #4 is breathtaking. It combines the surreal elements we’ve come to expect from this series with heavy folklore imagery. It also somehow managed to increase the psychedelic feeling at times – which didn’t seem possible before this moment.

Nick Robles (artist) and Jodie Bellaire (colorist) are a fantastic team. Their artwork has been larger than life in this series, as it throws Shan and Grace from one crazy set of circumstances to the next. Not only are the scenes dramatic, but the characters are so infused with emotion. It’s a powerful series, through and through.

And let’s not forget the work of the letterer, Dave Sharpe. His work is the icing on the cake in this issue. Given everything that is going on within these pages, having a solid letterer was genuinely vital.

Conclusion

Doctor Mirage #4 was a terrifying, moving, and powerful issue. It upped the ante, putting Doctor Mirage into even more significant risks, all while slowly revealing the truth of the world she is trapped in. It’s been a whirlwind of an adventure, and there is still more left to this tale.

I honestly can’t wait for the next issue in the series to come out. This has quickly become one of the more addictive reads out there. If you haven’t been reading along, I strongly urge you to go out and give them a try.

This review was originally written for Word of the Nerd, but has been ported over to Quirky Cat’s Fat Stacks now that the site has shut down.

Manga Monday: Tesla Note Vol. 1

Series: Tesla Note
Author/Artist: Kota Sannomiya
Publisher: Kodansha Comics
Released: October 19, 2021
Received: NetGalley

There are certain subjects that will always tempt me into picking up a book. One of those subjects is Tesla. Naturally, that meant that I had to give Tesla Note Vol. 1 a chance, because obviously.

Botan Negoro has been training her whole life (literally) to be a government agent. She may only be a high schooler, but she is one of the most elite agents out there, which is good, given the situation at hand.

She’s been called in to collect a “Tesla Fragment.” These fragments have been scattered throughout the world (sound familiar) by Tesla himself, as he deemed one of his devices too dangerous for the world. Now it’s going to be Botan Negoro’s job to prevent them from falling into the wrong hands.

I went into Tesla Note Vol. 1 wanting to love it. And to be fair, there’s a lot to appreciate about this one. We’ve got Tesla’s brilliance, a strong female lead character, and tons of social commentary (which I always love to see).

Sadly, I didn’t end up enjoying Tesla Note Vol. 1 quite as much as I had hoped. I think the biggest problem for me, ironically, is the characters. Or, more accurately, the lack of character development. Though I didn’t like the way, the main characters kept sniping at each other either (it was not as charming as it could have been).

A lot of what happens here only works in manga, and I mean that in every way possible. It relies heavily on that charm, which is totally fine. It’s a bit out of this world and odd at times, and then at other times, it is working hard to make important points. It would be a jarring transition anywhere else, but here it works.

Thanks to Kodansha Comics and #NetGalley for making this book available for review. All opinions expressed are my own.

Review – Captain Marvel #18 (Marvel Comics)

The Weight of Duty in Captain Marvel #18

What’s that? A new and spectacular plot arc on the horizon for Captain Marvel? Captain Marvel #18 launches a new arc, and with it comes new stakes and drama. This is a version of Carol rarely seen, and it’s already proving to be a big moment.

This arc ties directly into the Empyre event and thus is as big and loud as one might expect (or hope for). So if you haven’t been following Empyre, you might want to get caught up real quick. Or just accept that you’re going to be getting some spoilers.

Furthermore, once again, Carol’s past is about to get dragged to the surface. It seems she really can’t run from her history, even as it feels to be ever-changing. How will she handle this latest hurdle?

Writing

Captain Marvel #18 is an issue that doesn’t hold anything back. All thanks to Kelly Thompson for that and a fairly intense plot all around. There’s plenty of foreshadowing to be found within this issue, and then some.

One of the awe-inspiring things about this issue is how well Thompson handled the nature of the tie-in. While Empyre played an essential role in this plot, it was really more like a starting point than anything else. The plot quickly expanded, becoming something of its own.

There’s actually quite a lot to take in for this issue. First, there are the cameos (obviously), then there’s the layer upon layer of the plot to be found. Concerns about what is happening in Empyre, concerns about Carol’s side of things, and now? Worries about what she just stumbled across.

It all combines to make for a thrilling read, one that is certain to leave fans eager to see what happens next (I know I am). Overall I’m genuinely impressed with this issue and am looking forward to seeing where it goes.

Art

Captain Marvel #18 has a bold and dynamic plot – and the artwork to back it up. It was the perfect blend of elements, with characters from both Captain Marvel and Empyre taking to the forefront.

Cory Smith (pencils), Adriano Di Benedetto (inks), Tamra Bonvillain (colors), and VC’s Clayton Cowles (letters) all worked together to bring this issue to life. That work paid off – tenfold. The battles out in space are terrifying yet eye-catching. So are the backgrounds, for that matter.
It’s an issue full of explosions, fighting, diplomacy, and shocking revelations. All of which flow together surprisingly well, thanks mainly to the artwork at hand. Additionally, the artwork really sells the nuances in certain scenes. Things that may have otherwise been glossed over. It makes it worthwhile to read it issue through more than once (other than just for fun, of course).

Finally, the current redesign of Captain Marvel simply looks fantastic. She’s bold and bright, showing off multiple elements from her history in subtle ways. While still looking badass, of course. Also, I might already be (not so) secretly hoping to see a Funko Pop figure design based on this issue.

Conclusion

Captain Marvel #18 somehow found a way to up the ante, all while dealing with a significant event from the Marvel Universe. It’s the start of something new for Carol, and fans can only begin to guess how it’s all going to play out.

Personally, I’m already counting down the days until Captain Marvel #19 comes out. But really, who can blame me for that? I’m the meantime; I highly suggest diving into all of the Empyre issues that came out this week (there’s enough to keep most readers busy!).

This review was originally written for Word of the Nerd, but has been ported over to Quirky Cat’s Fat Stacks now that the site has shut down.

Review – Doctor Mirage #3 (Valiant Entertainment)

The Quest Begins in Doctor Mirage #3

What would you do if you found out you were trapped in hell, and that was the reason you could no longer commune with your dead husband’s ghost? Oh right, that’s not exactly a regular occurrence. But it is for Doctor Mirage. Get ready to follow along, as our leading lady has finally started to admit the truth in Doctor Mirage #3.

Doctor Mirage #3 begins our epic and surreal quest. In the last issue, we saw some of the truth behind what might just have gotten her here. Now, we’re hoping to learn more of the fact while also seeing her find a way home. Or at least, a way out of here.

Doctor Mirage has always been an emotional and fascinating series. But it feels like. Lately, they’ve been managing to up the ante. Perhaps that is thanks to their separation between Doctor Mirage and her husband. After all, fans are surely eager to see them find a way back together.

Writing

Magdalene Visaggio’s take on Doctor Mirage has been as surreal as it is brilliant. She’s taken the character to all new heights while also pushing her to the limits. It’s been a fascinating read, and we have yet to reveal the whole story.

In this issue, it feels like the quest has finally begun. She may not have entirely admitted the truth to herself, but at least she’s moving forward in the right direction. Or so we hope. Perhaps that is why this series has been so fascinating so far; we don’t yet know what is true and what is an illusion.

Doctor Mirage #3 is a surreal quest, weaving together different lore about life and death, all while leaving us wondering if what we’re seeing is real. It’s no wonder Doctor Mirage is so hesitant to believe; who can blame her?

No matter how you look at it, there’s no doubt that Doctor Mirage has found herself in the middle of a complicated mess. The real question is, how is she going to resolve it?

Art

Doctor Mirage #3 has perhaps some of my favorite artwork for the series, which is saying something. It’s vibrant and surreal, and it fits in perfectly with this sensation that we can’t trust what we’re being shown.

Nick Robles was the lead artist for this issue, and the landscape and characters he brought to life in this issue are…to put it simply, fascinating. They’re warped versions of gods and legends of the dead, and I just can’t stop looking at them.

Jordie Bellaire’s artwork only serves to heighten the artwork in this issue. The real sense of the surreal comes from the coloring, which is almost psychedelic. It certainly makes for an emotional issue! And it’s challenging to take your eyes off of.

Finally, Dave Sharpe did the lettering in this issue. And his work is the epitome of knowing how to be subtle and understated.

Conclusion

Doctor Mirage #3 was a surreal masterpiece. The artwork and the plot combined leave the reader unsure of the truth. And the result was something luminous and vibrant. I already can’t wait to get my hands on the next issue, and I know I’m not going to be alone in feeling that way.

This review was originally written for Word of the Nerd, but has been ported over to Quirky Cat’s Fat Stacks now that the site has shut down.

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