Resurrection Man: Quantum Karma #4: The Friends We Made Along The Way?

Resurrection Man: Quantum Karma #4 picks up with Mitch Shelley’s moral quandary confounding itself as he is tasked with delivering the fractal multiverse to his future self to save the universe. While prior issues have introduced the villain, Gashadokuro, to the central conflict of the series, there has always been a sense of ambiguity, reflecting that this story revolves around the idea that not everything is as it seems. Thus, this issue starts to unravel the true themes and motivations behind this journey, subverting expectations while also paying off all of the setup thus far.

In a world where DC is reviving the Vertigo line of books, it is a mystery as to how this series was kept under DC Black Label. But, for readers accustomed to Black Label’s offerings over the last several years, this book somewhat feels right at home. Resurrection Man: Quantum Karma #4 is a perfect example of this, with the story being told in a purposeful ambiguous manner, while also using metaphor and anecdotes to establish thematic resonance. Additionally, because the tale is told from the perspective of someone with mastery over time, the book is able to be told in anything but a linear format. So what does all of that mean? Well, this book fits perfectly in with DC Black Label, not because it is overtly grotesque or too inappropriate for the main line, but because its story is told in a very mature, complex manner.

Without spoiling the issue’s main reveal, the main thematic through line is that of what the true meaning of a story is. For Mitch, the story is his life, and the many different variations of it. But more importantly, what is the true meaning of a story’s end? For some, a story is only as good as its ending, with the final chapters and words making or breaking all that has come before. But for others, the journey that the story takes you on is the true test of how good the story truly is. Resurrection Man: Quantum Karma #4 makes that small quandary explode into the ramifications of one’s life, specifically someone who has the ability to live forever, someone who has no ending. And golly, does it make for one of the most emotional, thought proving series out right now.

Resurrection Man: Quantum Karma thrives in many areas of storytelling, but that should not undermine how utterly brilliant Anand RK’s work is from beginning to end. Ram V has a knack for pairing up with the best artists in the business that may not have the social relevance of mainstream titles. RK truly makes this book explode on every page, especially when the story veers more into the abstract. This is the kind of book that needs to be released in some sort of treasury format, so that these explosive panels can be on full display.