And so marks the end of the second story arc of Rai. I’ve been hard on this series since the beginning, but even it’s been really good and score high marks. I worried that everything was happening a little too easily in this series, but that’s why Matt Kindt is one of the best writers in the biz… he proved me wrong. Not only did he prove me wrong, but he actually found a way for me to like this series more. With everything that was revealed and set in motion with Rai #7, I’m sure like me you’re expecting everything to come to a happy close with this issue… well it doesn’t and it’s so much better for it.

Don’t get me wrong several story treads are tied off in Rai #8, I won’t say which ones because it’s the finale of the arc and that would kind of ruin it. But well over half of them come to an end and it’s a satisfying ending.

The threads that don’t come to an end become even more interesting with how this issue ends. Because they only seemed relevant because of what was happening in the arc and now they’re unresolved, but the arc is closed out… it’s like a catch-22. Things like the character revealed at the end of Rai #7. I’m trying people. I’m trying really hard not to spoil this issue for you because you should read it for yourself. It’s every bit as good as the rest of the series, that’s for damn sure.

Last issue Clatyon Crain’s art was pushed to the max. He produced his biggest scenes in the series and possibly his career to date. He tops himself in this issue. There’s still some clutter, some parts are hard to make out, but overall it’s some impressive artwork. I can really appreciate what he does here and he plays his part in telling and driving the story forward.

This is the second review this week that I had to cut short. There’s nothing I can say that isn’t a spoiler for this issue and that should tell you how much happens on every page of Rai #8. Because of that it makes for a short review. Bottom line, if you’re reading Rai then keep reading it. If you’re not then this is a good taste of the variety that Valiant has to offer and you should check out the first volume and this second arc when it’s collected before its August return.

Score: 4/5

Rai #8 Writer: Matt Kindt Artist: Clayton Crain Publisher: Valiant Comics Price: $3.99 Release Date: 4/8/15 Format: Ongoing; Print/Digital