A great comic book miniseries about a lesser-known hero, Scott Free, AKA Mister Miracle, legendary escape artist. He was born son of the benevolent god Highfather on the planet New Genesis, but raised in the fiery slave pits of the planet Apokolips, ruled by the tyrant Darkseid. He comes from a group of characters called the New Gods. Knowing the mythology of these characters helps with the enjoyment of Mister Miracle, but the book works on many levels so it's not necessary. The best superhero stories use the otherworldly aspects of the characters, their powers and cosmic origins, in tandem with their very human vulnerabilities and problems. This book begins with Scott, now living on Earth, attempting suicide. He states it was an attempt to escape death, but we see that he's depressed and disassociated. He wasn't trying to escape death, he was trying to escape life. The art of the book is presented like an old television set, often being interrupted by static. 
The narration is that of an old mystery serial or golden age comic book. This all feels like a representation of Scott's disassociation with reality. Everything feels off, he keeps showing signs of some inexplicable unrest, not knowing what's wrong with his mind, something like what motivated his suicide. He says he can escape anything, as he proves in many cases, but he can't escape this disconnect. Until one day he realizes he can. And for reasons I can't spoil for you, he decides not to. Check it out.
The narration is that of an old mystery serial or golden age comic book. This all feels like a representation of Scott's disassociation with reality. Everything feels off, he keeps showing signs of some inexplicable unrest, not knowing what's wrong with his mind, something like what motivated his suicide. He says he can escape anything, as he proves in many cases, but he can't escape this disconnect. Until one day he realizes he can. And for reasons I can't spoil for you, he decides not to. Check it out.
Thanks Owen. This looks interesting, especially what seems to be his ultimate challenge. I will try to find it.
ReplyDeleteI tend to think of books like this as too "make believe" to interest me, but then I am now reading a book in which a man falls for a girl almost entirely based on the stunning beauty of her ears, and another man's body is entered and occupied by a sheep.
wow that is a great review, i am very intrigued and will reserve it at the library ASAP. because i am a noble library goer, like all good reese's! I would like to see a photo of the art, can you add that to your post? Also, i suspect this is too grown up for a 9 year old, yes?
ReplyDeleteI added one image, one of the most striking moments from the book. But truthfully most of the art isn't that dramatic. The library might not have it because of how new it is, but almost any comic book store will have it because of its popularity. Definitely lots of adult themes, but there are other books about the characters that Ben would be able to read.
DeleteOh and Goose, I share your caution with "make believe," though i really wish I could find my way into that genre- but I would very much like to know the title of the book you are reading with the ears and the sheep.
ReplyDeleteThat would be A Wild Sheep Chase by Haruki Murakami. I will try to post a review, or some comments at least, soon.
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