I honestly don't believe I'm smart enough to fully understand exactly what I just read, but goddamn, the trip was worth it.

I've never seen art like Tradd Moore's before and, quite frankly, I should hate it. It's entirely too complicated, it's stupidly fluid with virtually no straight edges or sharp corners. His people look ridiculous. Galactus' helmet looks like it's as tall as the Empire State Building, fer shitsakes.

And yet, no one, and I truly mean no one else could have pulled this story off. He draws like the lovechild of Jack Kirby and Steve Ditko. But it's not just the art. It's rare that I ever notice the colouring in a comic, because most of the time, you kinda shouldn't. The colour should be a seamless extension of the art. Yet here, in this visual orgasm of a book, the art enhances the already insane art to a whole new level.

To put a finer point on it: This book is gorgeous. I'm so glad they collected it in an oversized format, to let your eyes feast on every flowing line. Sumptuous was constantly the word that came to mind as I read it.

And then there's the story. Donny Cates...dude, where the hell did you come from, exactly? Cates is hands down, my favourite comic book writer right now. And this...well, he indicates toward the end that he had the goal of writing a story around Stan Lee's favourite creation. To me, at least, he succeeded. This is an absolute mindbending story that shouldn't work...and yet, it works.

You cannot defeat the dark.
But you can find the light inside of you. Protect it. Keep it from harm. Care for it, for it will be fragile.
And then, when it is strong...share it. Give it away.
Shine it down upon those still trapped in the shadows.
And in time...perhaps...the brilliance of your light will outshine the void within.

And there, bathed in flame, you will be forgiven.

Damn.
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