The Good
What incredible art this book has. So detailed, the panels so abstract, the colors make the reading experience as a whole absolutely breathtaking. Reading this issue is a process, you have to take it in sort of slowly not only because there is so much that happens, but also because each panel is more beautiful than the next. If you are anything like me, this issue will leave you completely in awe. Beyond the fact that it is incredibly detailed, it is the colors that really make this issue pop. The way that light is used to accentuate reflections on the faces of certain characters in certain key moments will just leave you in awe.The art in this comic is absolutely breathtaking, and completely complimentary to the dialogue and the story that we read in this issue.
A lot of what happens in this issue is really big; and when I say big, I mean that Hickman is continuing to dish out a story on a huge, intergalactic scale. While it is big in scope, the story is still easy to understand in the sense that it is well organized, structured and overall really well written.
This issue deals with a major event (The White Event) on a huge scale, and one constant message is continually reiterated: the machine is broken. The machine being referenced here is the machine that is responsible for selecting the Starbrand: a person with enough power to protect the entire planet. Because the machine is "broken," the Starbrand selection process is altered and imperfect. There is room for flaw. So what happens when there is a chance that ultimate cosmic power gets into the wrong hands? Well, that's a big problem, isn't it?
Hickman ends the issue on a cliff hanger, and what he does in the final pages of this issue may make you go back and look through the issue from the beginning. It is incredibly well executed the last few pages of this comic, particularly in terms of what the creative team does with the colors in these final panels. Overall, it's just really well done and the story ends on a real high: readers will be left curious and excited to read the upcoming issue.
The Bad
There is really nothing bad to say about this issue. One of the best issues thus far, really pushes the story and sets readers up for what will likely be one heck of a ride.
The Verdict
I may be biased: I seem to love everything Hickman does, but he just knocks it out of the park with this issue. Not only is this a beautifully illustrated and colored comic book, but the set up, structure, concept and dialogue are absolutely phenomenal. Everything about this comic is incredible. The way he gradually sets up the story and introduces this huge idea, luring the reader in gradually and casually rather than all at once; it's perfect. There is so much about this comic that is really fantastic and the way it ends is just mind blowing. It ends on this tremendous high that just really captivates you and lures you in. It's fantastic stuff. Overall, excellent issue that is not only a lot of fun to read, but clearly the start of something really cool.