Trade Review #4--Mister Miracle

The owner of my LCS and I for the most part agree about books we think are good (when our interests align), however, I can remember one of our small disagreements, and it was after our podcast when Strange Adventures #1 was released. He had read the book before the podcast began, and it was in the middle of my stack.  He was not the biggest fan of SA, because it felt like it drug too much, or it was a potential lesser re-hash of Mister Miracle.  I went home that night, read Strange Adventures and didn't see the same problem Jason identified, but that is largely because I hadn't read Mister Miracle.  Shout out to my mom! She got me the TPB for my birthday, and I flew through it yesterday, and was so mesmerized I had to take a break before I wrote anything down about it. 

Mister Miracle TPB (Collects all 12 Issues) (DC)
​By: Tom King and Mitch Gerads

I am a huge Marvel stan.  I find myself preferring most Marvel runs over DC.  Maybe thats where my childhood is, maybe its the connection to the MCU.  That being said....I THINK THIS IS ONE OF THE BEST RUNS OF ANYTHING I'VE EVER READ. FULL STOP.

There are so many things that this book nails for me.  First, I want to talk about Mitch Gerads' art.  There are several bits from this book that just amaze me.  First, I am enthralled by the streaky/pixelated pages which are the first thing you see whenever you open the cover.  Each issue starts with one of these panels with 2-ish small sentences that really set the tone for each issue.  Second, as we deal with the reality distortions, from panel to panel, the different types of color-washing, environmental or character feature shifts blow my mind.  Finally, his facial expression work is great.  I love watching Scott say something and watching the low key shade Barda throws his way.  I also love his work on building the Baby's connection to everyone in the world.

In terms of the story: Essentially there is a battle between gods (similar to heaven and hell) and to bring their battle to an end and settle the peace the Highfather and Darkseid (is) they decide to exchange sons.  The story focuses on the Highfather's son (real name unknown) who is raised in Apokolips by Darkseid and Granny.  The opening pages of the trade show how the son attempts to escape Apokolips several times and fails (and eventually earns the nickname "Scott Free" which is the name he goes by).  He eventually escapes with Big Barda (his eventual wife), and works with an escape artist named "Mister Miracle."  When the original MM dies, Scott dons the suit, mask, and cape and continues the escape act alive.

Eventually we learn that the war between Apokolips and New Genesis resumes and Mister Miracle and Barda are called to New Genesis to serve.  

When everything begins to ramp up, shit really begins to hit the fan.  Miracle is accused by Orion (his "brother" who was raised by the Highfather) of Treason, His world is constantly distorted and he doesn't know what is real or not (he believes he is infected by Darkseid's Anti-Life equation), and Scott and Barda have to become folks who battle on a daily basis and raise a child.

I know this book is 2 years old, and I don't want to spoil anything, because I honestly think this is something everyone should read, if you haven't already. Aside from the battle of the gods, which we as mere mortals cannot understand, everything is relatable.  From dealing with depression and suicide, to dealing with having a child, and learning to balance your work/life obligations.

If you want a longer review with some spoilers revealed, check out this video from my guys over at the Comic Burrito Show.  Settle down with your favorite veggie tray, and give it a watch!

In short, even though Todd and I (Green Lantern shirt) agree on a lot and love so many things, He's wrong and Nick and Cole are right.... But, its an enjoyable read, I love their takes on books, and you should follow them on twitter!

Conclusion

I love this book so much.  Even if my guy Jason (from Chops Comics in lovely Lawrence Kansas) thinks that Strange Adventures is a partial rehash of the story telling methods from Strange Adventures, I think I'm ok with that for now.  If relationships get built in the same dynamic way as they did in Mister Miracle, then I believe Tom and Mitch are on their way to securing another Eisner Award!