Well this was the big ending to the latest story arc. There were definitely a handful of things I enjoyed, but overall its impact was lessened by the fact that so many storylines are occurring at once. I’d like to say that they were all successful, but they’re not. My favorite conclusion to a storyline doesn’t even really fit the story it was a part of because everything happens so quickly. Don’t get me wrong the ending of that storyline is amazing, but I didn’t feel as much for the characters due to their very brief appearance in the arc. The issue itself has Chas and Alex trying to get into the U.N. and discovering that they were given tour passes by the now dead Mr. Okonkwo instead of being set up to talk in front of the U.N. What results is a Ferris Bueller’s Day Off style of events in which Chas sneaks into the U.N. room to deliver his speech. Meanwhile back in New Texas we learn what one of Chas’ plans for New Texas via Zoe and her story. She’s basically given the choice to join her new lover and her compatriots that want to eat the plastic with the killer fish they’ve created. Apparently that fish is part metal and Zoe ends up destroying most of them when she feels betrayed and cornered leading to the ending that I liked.
I guess I just didn’t like where this arc’s story went. To be honest I didn’t really like where it started, but it interested me enough to keep going. Now that I’ve finished I don’t know what to expect from the next arc yet again, but this time I’m more nervous about its return. I get that Chas is grey, meaning he’s not black and white. He’s not a hero, but he’s not a villain either… he’s kind of both. The problem is I need to have him lean towards one way or the other in order to care about his story. It doesn’t mean that he needs to stay on whichever side he’s visiting, but one storyline could make him heroic and the next make him the villain. Right now he’s flip-flopping in the middle of the story and it just makes me not trust or believe his character. Since he’s the main character we’re following I need to trust him, otherwise why do I care about what happens to him and New Texas?
The art is of course great. It’s been solid from the beginning and I don’t see that changing. The ending of both of the storylines is great. Sure I don’t understand one of the endings, but I can’t say why without spoiling it. Also the other ending I liked could have used another page. Instead it felt like I was cheated out of the impact of the scene. I needed to see inside the submarine for just one panel. Nothing had to happen per say, but I need to see fear and terror. It was good, but it should have been great.
It’s not a bad ending, but it wasn’t as strong as the first arcs ending. It had its moments, but overall the story is spread out too much. I’ll probably be back for at least the next issue of the third arc, but I would be lying if I didn’t say that my faith in this series is rattled. At one point it was a sure bet and a must purchase; I hope that it can get back there again.
Score: 3/5
Writer: Joe Harris Artist: Martin Morazzo Publisher: Image Comics Price: $2.99 Release Date: 12/4/13