BLISS #4: Just Close Your Eyes

***SPOILER-FREE REVIEW***

Sean Lewis and Caitlin Yarsky end the first arc of the series with Bliss #4 and just like we’ve seen in previous issues, #4 delivers with big emotions and that results in exciting page-turning throughout this phenomenal story. Picking up exactly where #3 left off, Mabel proves that a mother scorned is nothing to go up against. Her absolute fearlessness is on full display as she confronts Benton with the hopes of helping him see the err in his ways all the while protecting her family. We’ve seen both Benton and Mable’s strength when it comes to family, and this issue puts this on the forefront and reinforces the argument that they both have beautiful souls.

As I have stated in previous reviews, Benton is a prime example of how far a parent will go to secure health and happiness for their family. When bills are stacking up and options are running out, the only thing left is for your survival instincts to kick in and that is exactly what we see Benton doing. Sure, taking bliss was probably not the best option, however, desperation drives fast on the highway of life, and sometimes the only way to slow down is to hit a brick wall. Benton has hit that wall.

You could assign a few different analogies to Bliss. Addiction and recovery, wanting to forget the bad things in life, survival instincts, etc. Now, by no means am I saying these are exclusive and absolute, but Bliss does have some lessons that will definitely hit the target in most personal scenarios much like in issue #4. Lethe is said to be the border of Hades and the paradise realm of Elysium. Hell, and paradise, places that we seem to spend a lifetime trying to escape or ascend to. In issue #4 we see Mable and Benton looking to leave their current hell and experience paradise but at what cost. What will Benton sacrifice in order for his family to see Elysium?