Miracleman: The Silver Age #6: A Look Into the Past

Miracleman: The Silver Age #6 continues Dicky Dauntless’ investigation into who he really is and in doing so the book explores what it really means to be Miracleman or Young Miracleman. Neil Gaiman masterfully writes one of the heaviest issues of Miracleman: The Silver Age yet that explores the heartbreaking past of Dick Dauntless and the possible origin of Young Miracleman. What continues to stand out is just how intricate and thought-out the series is. There is even a mythos around the publication of Miracleman. While this issue is new to readers, it was written almost 30 years ago. It is almost like readers are making up for lost time while reading, much like Dicky’s search for who he really is.

Mark Buckingham’s art holds its own as a storytelling tool. The art of Miracleman: The Silver Age #6 is just as haunting without dialogue, though you would miss out on the always excellent work of Todd Klein. Dicky is remembering, or reliving, his traumatizing childhood and abuse when he lived at an orphanage. And while the dialogue confirms it all, it’s everything that isn’t said and shown that makes this issue so powerful. Both Gaiman and Buckingham are master storytellers, and Buckingham’s linework and ability to capture different emotions in characters’ faces is pivotal to this issue. His attention to detail and brilliant use of staging are standouts in this issue. Jordie Bellaire’s coloring is gorgeous as always and balances an atmospheric tone that goes incredibly well with Gaiman and Buckingham’s script and art.