Mister Miracle #4

Writer: Tom King
Artist: Mitch Gerards

Before Reading:

This series is one that I really don't want to spoil. Tom King is blazing new trails for characters in all corners of the DC universe. Combine this with great art and somewhat non-linear storytelling and we have a fascinating piece of comic book fiction.

Scott Free as of issue three is "ready" to face his trial by way of Orion. After the crazy events of the first three issues, we pick up with Scott resting his body from the wounds of the first part of the story as well as dreading the oncoming trial.

During Reading:

The story opens up with Big Barda and Scott awaiting the arrival of Orion. Lightray arrives early as a sort of messenger and is clearly not welcomed by Barda. Scott is then met in his apartment by Orion to begin trial. In a series of intense conversations we slowly start to see that (no surprise really) Scott will not be getting a fair trial. The way that Orion sets up the trial is strictly to have the position of power and most importantly the unquestionable authority to do as a he so feels. By the end of the issue, things have really escalated and once again this series has us waiting with bated breath for the next issue.

After Reading:

It is hard to rate this series as a typical comic book. Their are layers of things happening here that honestly required a second reading for me to fully appreciate. This issue (and the ones before it) really showcase the importance of Big Barda to our story. This book could have easily had her name attached to the title as well. I have said many times before that Tom King is a brilliant writer when it comes to subtleties and nuance. There is really something to be said with having a trial of the New Gods be held in a small apartment. He displays that again here, especially considering that a large chunk of the page count is a simple trial in which Orion grills Scott with some tough questions, and also somewhat philosophizes on what his answers will mean.

Gerards has always made good use of the 9 panel layout. Mister Miracle can have repetitive panels, but due to the content of the book and how the characters are interacting it doesn't come off as lazy or rushed. It actually adds quite a bit of weight to the story.

Mister Miracle has eight issues remaining and issue 4 really pushes things forward by the time the trial wraps up. This book has been telling an important story since the beginning and the end of this one will have readers enthralled with what is to come.

9/10

The imagery and choice made in this book are second to none on the shelves right now.