I consider myself a moderate DC reader with several blindspots, and the New Gods was always an area I never studied up on enough--a bit too cosmic and fantastical for me (I know, I know these are all fantastical but still). So I was a bit nervous going into this with only the vaguest recollections of Scott Free, Big Barda, Orion, etc. But those concerns were pretty quickly dispelled when I read this run, which is a wholly relatable, emotional story as other reviews here have detailed. Coupled with Gerads always-excellent artwork, this really packs an unforgettable punch, and I think might be the best work by this creative duo yet.
I've seen some negative backlash against Mister Miracle (from a minority, but vocal nonetheless), much of it aimed at Tom King who has taken flack lately for his creative choices at DC and for his repetitive/distinctive style. To the extent that negative reactions are aimed at King and his writing in Mister Miracle (and I have admittedly done that from time to time for his Batman run), I have to respectfully disagree with those reactions. Here, his concise use of dialogue, repetition, theme, panel structure, are at their best, on par if not better than "Sheriff of Babylon" and "The Omega Men." No moment is wasted, and nearly every issue carries with it a careful balance of moments that are heartbreaking and heartwarming; epic and mundane; tragic and hilarious, in a way so few writers can handle.
But to the extent that the negativity is geared toward not "getting" the point of the story, or focusing on it being "overhyped," I can't really speak to other readers' expectations or experiences for certain. I can only guess that the readers who really loved the book, like I did, connected to the themes like impending fatherhood, deaths of loved ones, inescapable self-loathing and inability to overcome trauma that are peppered with so many true to life moments (waiting at the hospital for the birth of a child was pretty spot on for me). While I don't think personal experiences like these are a prerequisite for appreciating MM, I do get the sense from my own reaction and from others I know who've enjoyed this, that seeing those universal moments reflected in the story just added to the appreciation of the book.
On the surface, MM is a sci-fi tale of war and family with Shakespearean undertones, and it works on that level. But beyond that, I think it's also a touching story about struggling to find purpose and happiness, as well as permitting oneself to redefine those terms for one's own life, sometimes with great sacrifice. Well worth the purchase, and I look forward to reading and rereading it for years to come.
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Reviews with images
The mind-bending Mister Miracle!!
When I finished reading Mister Miracle, I wanted to read through it again to see what I could comprehend in a different light. What did I misunderstand as I read this book?Tom King and Mitch Gerads created a work that somehow pulls a taut line of juxtaposition between the mundane and deeply psychological. This is contrast shows more and more as the story progresses, though I would not say all becomes clear. But isn’t that life? Why do I do what I do, what made me into what I am, and how did I get here? All in the shadows while Scott Free and Big Barda are trying to live in the order of their lives, Darkseid is. Order and chaos are always at war.Mister Miracle is an interesting story that I’m making no claim to fully grasp all the nuances of one time through. Further readings will be necessary to catch the ideas that slipped through on the first pass. Honestly, I can’t say many comics get that kind of mileage and thought provocation.Mitch Gerads is quickly establishing himself as one of my favorite illustrators in comics. The choices he makes with his panels, coloring, and effects instantly draw me in. Once he has my attention, he proves his substance with body language, facial expression, and subtle emotion. Gerads is a top tier artist.With the dynamic art and bright cover, Mister Miracle will be eye-catching and I believe draw a large crowd. I say this as a caution more than a critique of design choice, but this graphic novel is for mature readers. It says as much above the barcode, but that could be lost in the flash of appeal. The mature content within contains suicide, physical and physcological abuse, extreme violence, sex, war, profanity, and blasphemy. Not for kids.People are talking about Mister Miracle for good reason. It’s not shallow. It’s full of mystery. It’s beautiful. It’s ugly. It’s fantasy but it’s also real. The more I think about it, the more it grows on me. There is a lot to mine from this work.
Top reviews from other countries
José Antonio Martínez Barajas
Maravilla de cómic.
Reviewed in Mexico on September 9, 2019
