Irredeemable 20

What you need to know: The Plutonian is captured by an advanced alien race, things look bleak for our hero indeed. Meanwhile his former teammates(and the world) celebrate the end of the Plutonian's reign of terror.

Plutonian's complexity: I never imagined that Waid would mine so much depth out of the lead character. I should know better by now than to doubt Mark Waid. This is one of the best series around and Waid keeps adding layers of complexity to it.

Cross over Moment: If you read Irredeemable's sister book(Incorruptable) then you're in for a treat. We get a Cameo from Max Damage. It may be small, however it builds another brick in what maybe just be the best created world in comics right now.

Sympathy: Over the last few issues, Waid has done the impossible, he has actually gotten the reader to have sympathy for a homicidal manic. Most of this issue is the Plutonian engaged in a dream sequence of what he wished his world was like. It's sad stuff. As a reader I've actually begun to root for the Plutonian to redeem himself.

Depth: This one is hard to explain without spoiling the issue. Let's just say that the Plutonian makes a subconscious choice that reveals all we need to know about his mindset these days.


What you won't

Weird: While I enjoyed the dream sequence, there were a few parts that were just out there. Granted dreams are weird, but it didn't do much for me.

Story progression: While this issue is deep, it's not very wide. Very little progress is made in terms of story.

Bottom Line: This is the most underrated book on the stands today. I don't understand why it hasn't caught on. Even worse when people make their year end or best of list, Irredeemable is rarely included. It's a shame really.

Grade: A-

Irredeemable 19 review

What you need to know: Even as the living members of the Paradigm fail to stop the Plutonian's rampage, salvation may be found in fallen comrades... and from a place none of them expected

What you'll love

The Art: At this point raving over Peter Krause's art has become tedious but I'll do it anyway. Krause illustrates Waid's world perfectly. He captures action scenes as well or better than anyone in comics.

The Plutonian: From the moment I heard that Waid was doing this book, I never expect too much depth from the main character. Early on I was right. Lately though, Waid has made the Plutonian into a three dimensional character. In this issue, he takes a beating and feels fear for the first time I can remember.

Alliens: I'm not much of a sci-fi guy and most of the times, the insertion of aliens into a story is a cop out, used by writers that have run out of ideas. That's not the case here, the aliens serve as the devil collecting on a deal that was made long ago.

Weaponized teleportation: It would have been easy for Waid to make the Alien race stronger than the Plutonian, instead they use their brains and superior technology. Plus weaponized teleportation is cool to say.

Unpredictable: I'm pretty good at suspending disbelief but most of the time anyone can see where things are going in a given story. Irredeemable keeps me on the edge of my seat because I never know what's going to happen when I turn the page.

What you won't

Nothing: Read it damn it.


The Bottom Line: This is one of the best books on the shelves. I'm not sure why more people aren't reading it.

Grade: A+