“How do you escape yourself?” That’s the question that opens the Man of Resurrection: Quantum Karma #5, but it’s very likely to be a statement of the paper on the series itself. First of all, there is the fact that Mitch Shelley, the resurrected man, is reborn into another body with a different superpower every time he dies. However, quantum karma reveals that his future self is attempting a plan that could overturn the entire universe. So, how does Shelley get away with someone who knows everything is powerful and literally what he’s trying to do?
Enter Christopher Chance, known as The Human Target. Longtime DC fans know that opportunities often protect clients by literally taking on their identity. As a result, most of Quantum Karma #5 is a long conversation between Chance and Shelley, but gets caught up in some deep moments. When Shelley says it’s good that he dies soon and forgets his regrets, Chance replies, “If they’re not connected to memories worth hugging, they won’t regret.”
It is the deep character work that Ram V has exhibited throughout quantum karma, making this series a really great read. Rather than sticking to standard superhero storytelling, V has decided to make this miniseries an identity and the way we live our lives, whether we assume the identity of others or enter into a new act in our lives. However, the ending hints at a super-powerful battle that feels really epic, especially in a cameo with another DC character.
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That grand yet etheric feeling is impossible without the art of Anand RK. I was in awe of how RK marks the passage of time on his pages, and was even more impressed with the details he stuffs into each panel. One such panel features a collection of gears under Shelley’s skin. This is revealed in a tense surgical scene. However, one page that stands out is a collection of panels that reflect Shelley’s past lives, with all his friends and family at his side. It is a powerful way to emphasize how his powers work, but it highlights the long life he has led. Mike Spicer’s vibrantly colored pieces literally spill over the pages, whether it’s Samsara’s golden gear, winter ice blue, and red brown collection of autumn leaves.
The opening page perfectly complements RK’s art from the great Jackson “Butch” Geiss. Guice draws a series of snapshots from Shelley’s life, backed by Aditya Bidikar’s lettering. It also foreshadows some of the major revelations set by Quantum Karma #5. Resurrection Man: Quantum Karma #5 is set in the final time of Mitch Shelley, and offers meditation on identity and how we live our lives. It may not be as big as the previous issues, but the series continues to win gold.
“The Resurrection Man: Quantum Karma” #5 is to find yourself
Resurrected Man: Quantum Karma #5
Resurrection Man: Quantum Karma #5 is set in the final time of Mitch Shelley, and offers meditation on identity and how we live our lives.
The slow and great Butch’s Geis shows why he was a master on a single page.
RK packs so many details into a page, especially with panels.
Ram V offers a deep meditation on identity that makes sense given the characters this comic deals with.
