Which is the right side … or is there truly only one?
Creative Staff:
Writers: Michael Dolce & Talent Caldwell
Artwork: Tony Moy
Colors: Jorge Cortes
Letters: Michael Dolce
What They Say:
There are people on this Earth that do not belong. It’s up to a Chicago detective and a covert, interdimensional police force to send them back where they came from.
Content (please note that portions of review may contain spoilers):
As desperation grows within the followers in the alternate world, they start their plans for taking over the Epicenter, and it begins with a doppelganger replacing Dex. While the counterparts deliberate as to which way is the right one, Nate is within his own standoff at the base, a dilemma of whether he can trust Kate and her people. It is only then does the director reveal the true purpose of this facility – to restrict incursions from alternate realities. The Mainstream is the name they give the current world, the true one in which they protect from the one who murdered their founder Franklin Hodge, those who Detective McCallister can somehow see despite any precautions. Only with Foster’s assurances does he surrender, but even more mysteries of his past are revealed as the scientists uncover a puzzling coincidence about his birth.
While the Keepers muse over what to do with Detective McCallister, the same people they were supposed to keep out are now roaming the parameter of Paradigm Energy, lead by the one they call the Anti-Hodge. He has his own agenda and with the help of a fake Detectives Combs, they now can use Chicago’s finest to draw away attention with a frontal assault. Though as Kate begins her discussion with Nate, she shares information which even he does not know about his own birth – he may also be from another world, or an Alternate. But as he becomes more frustrated by all of these vague theories, an alarm sounds leaving the investigator in the lurch and out of the action for his own safety. It is only then does Director Foster now know the extent of the problem – a two pronged attack upon the Epicenter, all in an effort to breach their defences. As they split their forces to discourage the incursion, it is soon apparent they cannot stop the attack without additional assistance. However with their men spread thin, where can they find help in this desperate time of need … and is anyone willing to join this hopeless cause?
In Summary:
As we reach this penultimate issue of the series, it seems as more details are revealed, writers Michael Dolce and Talent Caldwell are tempted to hide even more, all building up for some big reveal or an even larger revelation which leads into an epic cliffhanger in preparation for a sequel. While I can appreciate the need to amplify tension so as to allow readers an investment within the melodrama, there is such a concept as progressing too slow and making the audience lose interest; after all, they only now show the true meaning behind the Mainstream and why Nate never felt at place in the world, and if this is the pacing, it will be shocking to see if the finale is so neatly concluded. And yet between all of the constant struggle over the Epicenter, Dolce and Caldwell have to show the real reason as to why there is a struggle and how the parallel world became so contorted in such both are in danger of being destroyed. You would think such an obvious factor should have been explained long ago so as to mount as much impact in the story, but instead this element is constantly glanced over, teasing us off screen always wondering. However if there is one component for this issue which they used masterfully, it is the use of the doppelganger of Dex, never showing what happened in that scene and keeping this secret until the end; although this type of plot device may seem overused, in this circumstance, the chance of game changing twist allows for a flicker of hope to shine through … even within this uncertain conclusion.
However even within all of this literary confusion, it is Tony Moy’s darkly focused illustrations which are essential for the successful telling of this turning point, the gritty nature of his depictions make you take notice as to the grim intensity unfolding within the story. All through out the narrative, the clearly delineated panels gradually push you forward, moving the progression at a measured pace, allowing the reader to absorb the daunting details as he unfolds every nuanced image for maximum effect. To watch Dex suffering, the calming beauty of Kate as she talks down Nate and the clear malice we can observe within Anti-Hodge, all of these prove to be components which reflect the mood of the moment, allowing for the audience to become absorbed within his artwork. And yet it is the harsh tones and sinister shadows of Jorge Cortes which serve as anchor points for every page, casting out any doubt within this issue that the stress is tangible. His palette is at times depressing, never letting up on the dangerousness of this situation, communicating every solemn moment as both sides prepare for the final confrontation, not knowing if they will survive. But even within this disheartening closure, you cannot but help laughing when you see those visual sound effects break up the seriousness with a touch of comedy. The ridiculousness of these text components may be unintentional, but they still serve a purpose of cementing the deadliness of these moments with a slight smile.
As The Mainstream nears its conclusion, it seems we are left with more questions than answers, and if this pacing is what to expect, I fear a collision of details will overwhelm the reader within the conclusion. However as the stunning artwork and menacing colors draw us in, you cannot but be engulfed by the tension, wanting to see how it will end. With both worlds waiting in the balance, there will be suffering, but who can guess what will happen occur once the final page is turned – we will just have to wait and see.
Grade: B+
Age Rating: T (Teen)
Released By: Zenescope
Release Date: August 01, 2018
MSRP: $3.99