CATALYST PRIME: 7 Days #3: The Many Faces of Hope

An issue of revelations as Simone uses this chapter in a two-fold manner, at first she paints a picture of hopelessness as we see society in decline ahead of the promised onslaught using news reports and the desperation of a man lost in grief. We get a very detailed and revelation filled explanation of why the Khrelan is doing it which is both twisted in its logic and also deeply ironic too.

The joy of this issue is not made in action sequences but in the rising tide of hope that Simone builds across the pages which peak with an action-packed confrontation toward the end of the book. It’s brilliant inclusive writing with a beautifully positive message: love is love and we stand together till the end because it’s what is good and what is right. When the chips are down all we have in this world is each other and that is something worth fighting for no matter your age, race, color, creed, beliefs or sexual orientation. It left me with a feeling of overwhelming positivity while still thrilling me with the storyline.

The art from Jose Luis and Jonas Trinidade, coloring by Michelle Madsen and lettering by Saida Temofonte continues to be nothing short of superb. From the detailed otherworldliness of the Khrelan to the assembling of heroes and while there are not a lot of fancy action splashes (the ones there are excellently rendered and colored) in this issue what really stood out for me is how well the artistic team was able to convey the emotion and depth in Simone’s writing in the art.

This is an issue about face to face interaction which I think is far more difficult to get right than fight scenes but the art team accomplishes this perfectly making this issue both a written and visual treat for the reader. It’s great to read comics where everything works so well together.