Written by Cecil Castellucci
Illustrated by Marley Zarcone
Published by DC Comics
The opening splash page of this story leads the book off well.
Shade is falling apart quickly. Zarcone demonstrates that right off the bat with the art and it’s hard to look at. That first image is really that well drawn and hits the reader just right.
Castellucci’s words are like poetry with the artwork. Shade is falling apart and it’s sad and beautiful. The pages that follow are along the same lines but will hit anyone hard who has been down on themselves.
The problem is, Shade’s depression is having some serious effects on the world. It may even end up destroying the planet. Castellucci has effectively turned this book into one of the most emotional and resonant comics on the stands.
We see Shade try to circumvent being alive on Earth.
And in each scene we see something we never thought we would see.
Shade doesn’t have any emotions left about anything.
We see Rac Shade confront Shade about the madness that is taking over the world. It’s a poignant dialogue between the two that is more interested in making the reader think.
Zarcone’s simple yet effective art is incredible. It’s expressive and like nothing else on the market. She says so much with so little and I love the storytelling she creates.
This is the second to last issue of this book. I’m sorry to see it go away. I hope this creative team shows up on another book or graphic novel soon. This has been one of the best reads of the past two years.
RATING: A
