Ex Machina #50 – Review

by Brian K. Vaughan (writer), Tony Harris (art), JD Mettler (colors), and Jared K. Fletcher

The Story: Ex Machina concludes with glimpse of the years following Mitchell’s time as mayor.

What’s Good: I can’t recall feeling so sad after reading the final issue of a series, not only because of the fact that a favourite book is concluding, but due to the content of the issue itself.  Ex Machina #50 is an emotionally devastating and draining experience for long-time readers who have become tied to Mitchell Hundred’s journey.  It’s poignant to be sure, but it’s hard to see this as anything but a tragedy.

But it’s not “true” tragedy, which is perhaps why it’s so emotionally affecting.  Mitchell Hundred does end up in a good position, professionally anyway, at issue’s end.  He has more power than ever and, in a stunning final couple of pages, is revealed to have ended up very near the pinnacle of American politics.  Of course, it’s all bittersweet to the extreme, because while Mitchell Hundred the politician has flourished, Mitchell Hundred the man finds himself an isolated wreck, irrevocably ruined and alone.  In the end, it’s as though these two sides of Hundred were ultimately impossible to maintain simultaneously, particularly under the weight of superheroics and alien powers.  Mitchell gets his power, but he paid the price.  In that sense, it’s more tragic than Hundred just ending up dead in an ending that is completely dire; this situation sees Hundred trapped in his professional position and forever rueful for what he personally lost, or destroyed, in the process.

And it’s that sense of loss that this gives issue a retrospective feel that is absolutely perfect for a final issue.  In projecting into the years going forward from his battle with Suzanne and his term as Mayor, Hundred ends up dogged by his past, hounded by it as it grows increasingly rotten.  This is brilliantly personified by a dream where he’s visited by his other-dimensional enemies, who, of course, visit him in the form of a twisted version of himself.  Meanwhile, in the real world, this is shown in the form of Bradbury, who on the one hand finds himself in ruins, but also finally lets his feelings for Hundred be known.  It’s a wonderful representation of the old Mitchell Hundred and that “past life” in its current state; rotten and deteriorated, but still not barren of its sincerity.

B.P.R.D.: King of Fear #5 – Review

by Mike Mignola & John Arcudi (writers), Guy Davis (art), Dave Stewart (colors), and Clem Robins (letters)

The Story: New giant monsters abound, Liz disappears (again), and the UN makes it’s stance on the frogs, and the BPRD, clear.

What’s Good: As a conclusion to a multi-year epic, this issue is more focused on opening the door for what’s to come than it is on closing the door on the past.  This leaves the series in a very interesting place.  The Mignola-verse finds itself in a very ugly place that’s primed for some seriously epic battles.  On a more intimate level, every single character is also left in a new position, either physically or mentally.  For instance, Devon has gained a newfound fear of Abe, while Panya is told that she may one day walk again.  These are little things and certainly nothing compared to where Abe, Liz, and the BPRD itself are left at the end of King of Fear, but they show Arcudi and Mignola’s dedication.

As usual, Mignola and Arcudi’s script, despite all of these new developments, finds room for the little character moments.  With the world in dire straits, it’s comforting to see these characters happier than they’ve been in a long time.  While everything’s gone to hell, there’s a sense of positivity and hope that’s refreshing.  It’s a nice touch, how despite things being worse than they’ve ever been, our characters are also more empowered and optimistic.  There’s a sense that now that they’ve hit rock bottom, they’re ready to start climbing.

Iron Man #28 – Review

By Daniel & Charles Knauf (writers), Roberto de la Torre (art), Dean White (colors)

The Iron Man / Mandarin saga comes to a close after what I believe was about a whole year’s worth of story. Writers Daniel and Charles Knauf have done an outstanding job pacing this story out as a political thriller. What’s even more ironic, is how quick the United Nations turns their backs on Tony, branding him a terrorist for his extreme actions. And maybe for the first time since instating The Initiative, Tony understands why Captain America fought on the opposing side.

Everything comes to a close very nicely, though I do feel some of it was a bit rushed. Tony finally saves Maya from her incarceration, but the moment comes and goes so quickly that we don’t even see him drop her off somewhere safely. I mean, did he just break her free and tell her to run away or did he actually take her to safety? Because one moment they’re talking and the next he’s flying in the sky (by himself). Other than this little nagging problem, the rest of the issue worked well for me.

In some ways, this storyline reminded me of a good Tom Clancy novel. But, as I reached the final few pages it reverted back to its superhero roots. And what I got was another fantastic brawl fest care of Roberto de la Torre. This time it’s Iron Man (in his silver centurion armor), versus The Mandarin, and boy, does Torre make every punch hurt. Much like David Aja’s work on Iron Fist, Torre’s fight scenes are electrifying and intense. This is probably one of the most brutal fights I’ve seen with these two characters, and a couple of panels almost made me squirm.

If you’ve been following this book for the past year or so, prepare for a very gratifying conclusion. For the rest of you waiting to jump on, wait till next month when we’ll most likely get a Secret Invasion related story. Or, you could pick up this issue for the buttkicking alone. Either way, it’s a win-win situation. (Grade: B+)

– J. Montes