Written by Jeff Lemire
Illustrated by Joe Bennett, Dexter Vines
Published by DC Comics
“All right… who ordered the superhero combo special?”
Yes sir!
No denying it – and no, I’m not ashamed to say it – this book is simply terrific.
After thirteen issues of super storytelling, smart character exploration, more than a little pan-dimensional action, along with our team’s very own super-villain nemesis team face-off, (not to mention a certain super mascot!), things finally come to a head this month with one of the most satisfying comics stories I have read in a long, long time.
There’s no reason to even get into the details. Why ruin it?
You already know what happens. The Terrifics and the Dreadful go head-to-head in a battle for the very soul and future of the team.
And just who do you think is the best motivated to win the day?
All you really need to know, is that everything that’s come together to bring us to this point, plays out this month over 22 pages of glorious, pitch-perfect comic book greatness.
This is not an exaggeration. Even knowing what Jeff Lemire is capable of, I find it a little astonishing to say.
But it’s so true.
From the tag-team super-hero slugfest action, to the campy patter and deft touches of humor, to the handy wrap up, resolution, and the this-shy-of-shmaltzy sign off narration, Lemire hits all his notes perfectly, with an ease and panache that will be the envy of comics writers everywhere after this.
Even the team’s rally cry works.
Artist Joe Bennet steps up with a fully realized look for this seminal issue, and as in previous issues it’s a good match for Lemire’s creative vision. From the layouts, to the dynamic action sequences, all the finishing touches, and even the special effects, he and the artistic crew does our Terrifics team proud, and they all stand proud in the process. (Let’s do something about Offspring’s costume though guys.)
Along the way each of our main characters discovers they’ve gained something of great value from this whole affair, and in each case it’s linked directly to what they’ve all gained together. It’s one of the best endorsements of a super-team you could hope for, and it’s been carried off with a flawless touch that all but ensures we’ll be seeing more of this crew for a long time to come.
What a delight.
All I have left to say is thank you. Thank you Jeff Lemire, Joe Bennet, and the entire team for giving us an experience that defines the best of what comics can be.
This is what we read ‘em for. This is what it’s all about.
Now go get your hands on an issue.
And enjoy.
Next Issue: Family Ties
You must be logged in to post a comment Login