Mister Miracle #11 is out today, the penultimate chapter in the Tom King/Mitch Gerads New Gods epic.
About the issue:
Scott and Barda head to Apokolips to enact their plan.
King and Gerads deliver the goods yet again. Over the course of eleven issues, we’ve seen their work evolve and grow, and here – in the endgame – they’re at the height of their respective powers. The series feels like it’s coming to a very natural ending. Nothing seems rushed or out of place; it’s fulfilling in every sense of the word. Every panel feels perfect (and, as you know, there are a lot of them). Mister Miracle has been a master class in pacing and building tension, and heading into the final chapter, I have no doubt that they’ll stick the landing.
Thematically speaking, the purpose of King’s story comes more into focus with each issue. We’ve known the broad brushstrokes since the beginning: the feelings of depression, anxiety, and entrapment. But now, at the end, everything seems to be coming together to deliver something powerful. You’ll just have to read it yourself to see what that something is.
It’s hard to talk about Gerads’ work here without spoiling anything. Heck, it’s hard to talk about this comic period without spoiling anything. Everything that happens on every page is integral to the story. Suffice it to say, Mitch is amazing at what he does, and he earned every bit of the Eisner he won. The raw emotion and power he put into this issue is palpable. He’ll make you laugh, make you cry, and make you scream expletives for various reasons. Thank Highfather that DC is is giving him the time he needs to finish this series at his own pace instead of rushing him. The end product is well worth the wait.
And let me just take a moment to say about much I’ve enjoyed Clayton Cowles lettering throughout this run. He’s added a retro, Kirby-esque punch to this otherwise hypermodern comic.
That’s it! That’s all you’re going to get out of me! Quit twisting my arm and go buy Mister Miracle #11 as soon as your comic shop opens.
