Apollo in a Bottle
Written by: Steve Orlando
Art by: Fernando Blanco, Romulo Fajardo Jr. and Josh Reed
Cover Price: $3.99
Release Date: February 1, 2017
Now that Midnighter has gone to hell, taken care of Mawzir and fought his way through countless demons, it's time for him to scoop up Apollo and take him home, right? Well, we all know that it's not going to be that easy, especially after seeing last issue's awesome cliffhanger. Neron's not just going to hand over Midnighter's man and I hope that they will fight for him. Midnighter kicks so much ass, but Neron's? I have to see that! So, what happens and is it good? Let's find out...
We open up with a flashback of Gregorio telling Midnighter about the portal candle and how much pain and suffering he's in for. It's a nice reminder before heading off to see Midnighter squaring off with Hell itself...Neron!
The best part of the scene might be the way Midnighter just waltzes past Neron like it's nobodies business or maybe it's when he brings forth an angel with a binding spell. Okay, it's a tie!
The next bunch of pages are brutal and beautiful and I know this will sound like an insult, but it's not...the best thing Orlando does here is let the action speak for itself. No over the top action movie phrases here because none are needed.
However, Orlando never loses sight that his hero is a kick ass action hero and when Midnighter starts kicking Neron's ass, it's so satisfying. Unfortunately, Midnighter takes a bit too long, but this was obviously a fight he never planned on returning from.
As Midnighter yells his last words, Apollo breaks out of his glass prison to comfort his savior...or did he? It seems that Neron had more than a few plans up his sleeve and one of them was to set up Midnighter to play an unwinnable game. The issue ends with the tables turned on who needs to be saved and it looks like Apollo is ready for the challenge.
This is obviously the calm before the storm that is the penultimate issue, but Steve Orlando makes it mean and gory and even throws in a nice little twist to keep things interesting. I really liked this issue as well as the entire series and will pay good money to see Neron eat Apollo's glowing fists next issue!
Fernando Blanco's art has gotten better with each issue, but I think Romulo Fajardo Jr's colors steal the show here. When it needs to pop, the art pops, when it needs to be a bloody mess, it is a bloody mess indeed.
Bits and Pieces:
Steve Orlando continues making this book a great read. I am fully invested in Midnighter's quest to save his love and now that the tables have turned, I may be more so. The art and story are really good and even if you weren't a New 52 Midnighter fan, I think you should check this out.
8.0/10
This book has really surprised me and how great it has been Steve Orlando has been getting a lot better I almost wish this was a ongoing series.
ReplyDelete