Review: Idolized #5

Season one of Idolized comes to an end and while somewhat predictable, it was still an enjoyable conclusion to the volume. The thing that I enjoyed the most was the editor’s notes. I know that sounds lame or even silly, but when I was growing up I enjoyed the little notes telling me what issue an event had happened in. I didn’t track down the issue afterwards, but I retained the knowledge of the event happening and it made it so that I could jump onto any issue and learn my way around the universe. It’s been a while since issue four, so the editor notes were very helpful.

In the last issue Joule rushed head on to face Stasis the man that she blames for her family’s death, only to lead to her team into being captured and defeated. Beaten and broken the press and superazzi are hounding her so she does the only thing she can think of and runs away.

She basically gives up on life and her vengeance as she breaks into someone’s home (or hers, I’m not sure) and burns her costume and takes some clothes. Once out on the street she thinks about how to begin a new life, but is stopped dead in her tracks by a familiar voice. The rest of the tryouts and subsequently wash outs of the Idol show are standing behind her. After a pretty ridiculous speech they head to the one spot that no one’s looked for Stasis and the final battle begins.

There were a few nuances of the story that didn’t quite make any sense, the huge pep talk being the biggest. Everyone has figured out the Joule was after one thing and one thing only… revenge; and yet they spend a ton of time telling her about how great she is and that with or without her they’re taking on Stasis, but then won’t leave until they convince her to come. It was strange because they praised her for her leadership, but she showed in the last issue that she sucked at working with a team. That and the costume burning… there wasn’t much left to it to begin with and I’m not sure what burning it would have really helped with. Otherwise the pacing of the story was fine and as I said the ending, although predictable, was enjoyable and fulfilling.

It’s been a while so I can’t even remember if this was the same artist as issue four, sure I could look it up, but that won’t change the fact that I don’t remember what the art looks like. Qualano does a good  job of imitating Micah Gunnell’s original style on the book which meant that Joule’s cuteness continued. The large group scenes had some awkwardness with the proportions, but other than that the art did a great job of continuing the style and tone of the series.

I hate to continue bringing up the delay, but it stands out to readers. That didn’t change the fact that this issue is worth the purchase and if you’ve enjoyed the series you’re sure to like the final chapter of this season. If the book returns for a second season it will be drastically different and I would like to see that happen. If you missed the series then you might be better off waiting for the trade or hardcover at this point or you can grab it digitally and enjoy the entire series start to finish.

Score: 3/5

Writer: David Schwartz

Artist: Pasquale Qualano

Colorist: David Curiel

Publisher: Aspen Comics

Price: $3.99

Release Date: 4/17/13