Tim Seeley and Tony Freese’s Local Man has a lot to offer. It’s a murder mystery, it dabbles in cosmic horror, but above all it’s an image comic where the creator discovered his potential and created a character who could stand alongside the heroes of Marvel and DC. It’s a homage to the early days. universe. Localman #25 takes this to the extreme, jumping a year after the events of Localman #13. It appears that Jack Kusaver has not only bounced back, but has managed to forge a whole new life for himself, leaving Crossjack behind. But when the third generation arrives asking for help against their successor, the fourth generation, Jack is forced to make a difficult choice. Can we truly let go of the past or embrace the siren cry of nostalgia?
A big part of Local Man is the question of whether people can change, for better or worse. Seeley and the Freaks reimagine it and show how Jack has truly changed, both physically and mentally, sporting metal limbs that would make Cable jealous. His connection with the new Slick, aka Rudy, is the heart of this issue. After his encounter with the Third Generation, Rudy delivers a speech to Jack that forces him to make a critical decision that shapes the book’s final battle.
This comic also takes a unique approach to the artwork. While elements of the flipbook are still present (Seeley offers his own hilarious take on the “swimsuit features” that pervaded 90s comics), the creative team has opted to blend styles . The result is a truly unique visual language. The grittier, realistic feel of Freaks’ artwork soon gives way to Seeley’s more cartoonish, bombastic style, and even the third and fourth generations clash. Jack, wearing his street clothes and Cross Jack’s uniform, shows that no matter what happens, he can never truly become the hero he was as a teenager.
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The battle between the 3rd and 4th generation is visually (the 4th generation includes Klk Klk Bang Bang, a cartoonish battle droid, and Meme, a living meme); Thematically (Gen 3 will do anything to keep their time in the spotlight), this is a great example of what Image Comics is and what it has grown into. It perfectly expresses that. There’s room for Spawn, Cyberforce, and Shadowhawk, but also Radiant Black, Kill Your Darlings, and Rook: Exodus. If you want to be truly great, you have to learn how to grow.
Sadly, a letter from Freaks revealed that the series would be put on hiatus. I don’t know when it will come back and what that return will bring. But what I do know is: Localman #25 is a reminder of everything I love about superheroes, Image Comics itself, and storytelling. And it’s proof that, despite what people are shouting online, comics are thriving and will continue to thrive if new storytellers come along and get a chance to grow.
Until then, thank you to Tony Fleecs and Tim Seeley for this series. It was really special.
“Local Man” #25 reminds us of the potential of comics and people
Local man #25
Local Man #25 reminds me of everything I love about superheroes, Image Comics itself, and storytelling.
Everything that’s great about the series comes together in one perfect package.
Stories about how people become great by truly learning to grow, whether they’re superheroes or comic book authors.
Seeley and Fleecs are creatively gifted, both as writers and in their art styles.
If you like Image comics, superheroes, or great stories, pick up this comic.
