By Justin Jordan, Tradd Moore & Felipe Sobriero
With this latest installment of The Legacy of Luther Strode, the story enters its finale with the last two issues. The cover speaks volumes as the impressive physique of the ultimate antagonist, Cain, looms over the title. It’s as if series artist Tradd Moore is trying to warn us of the impending carnage that will ensue. Luther and Petra have finally made it into Cain’s stronghold, but awaiting him are Delilah and the Bound. In Legend of Luther Strode, the readership met a member of this elite group of fighters, Jack the Ripper. If he was such a vicious adversary, imagine what catastrophes will unfold when the three engage Luther…
Justin Jordan and Moore left the audience with one heck of a cliffhanger last issue. Seeing the Bound poised for battle is an image that isn’t readily erased from one’s mind. The battle of these superhuman titans unfolds for the majority of this issue, which is perfectly fine considering Tradd and Felipe Sobriero deliver amazing artwork. Moore really allows room for them in the story to explore and experiment with the sequential flow of action in the panels, which, considering how intense and outrageous as this fight should be, is perfect for the material. It’s definitely a fascinating study in the art form, being able to see how kinetics are depicted panel-to-panel or all within the confines of the one.
Color continues to be a focal element in this comic. From the sclera in the eyes of the warriors to Luther’s blood-soaked pants, Sobriero’s use of red is still as poignant and vivid as ever. There are so many shades of that primary color implements, but it is mesmerizing (Don’t know what that says about me…). The panels where it is contrasted with blue are implemented well due to minimal, impactful use.
With all that being said, the story does progress; it’s just that there isn’t much left. This creative team speaks with its combined fists and the actions and outcomes of the battle affect the characters in profound, not only physical, ways. It’s refreshing to see an “action-heavy” comic really embrace its genre tropes and use them properly in service of the story. Elements that had been introduced earlier to create a deep, intricate narrative have paid off at this point and paid off very well. All this culminates to make a very satisfying comic.
As one would expect from the closing moments in a series, everything that occurs is a game-changer. That’s the short and sweet of it. This issue is a gorgeous penultimate chapter that braces the reader for the long-awaited face-off with the progenitor of this turmoil. Thanks must be paid to this creative team for making their readership salivate with anticipation (myself included) for the conclusion in May. Consequently, they should be shunned for making them go through that anguish. One way to pass the time is re-read the past two series and all the singles in this one. They are a quick, fantastic read; this issue included!
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