Resurrection Man: Quantum Karma #5: If you had the CHANCE, to Change Your Fate…

Resurrection Man: Quantum Karma #5 picks up with Mitch Shelley coming up with a plan to escape a future version of himself by teaming up with Christopher Chance, the Human Target. As the issue progresses, it becomes apparent that the inclusion of Chance is not just a plot device, but serves as a basis for how the story will flow. By the end of the issue, it becomes apparent that writer Ram V and artist Anand RK are very familiar with the flow of a typical Human Target issue, melding it with their depiction of the Resurrection Man in a very complementary and respectful manner.

This series has functioned in two main capacities: 1. A love letter to the original Resurrection Man series, and 2. A very mature look at the ideas of destiny, love, and loss. With Resurrection Man: Quantum Karma #5, the series also becomes a love letter to the Human Target, utilizing the classic structure of a Human Target issue to throw off the future version of Mitch Shelley as well as the reader. Those who are more familiar with how the Human Target typically functions will probably see the twist from a mile away, but it works so well for this series, melding that story structure with the tone and ambiance that has been established since this series’ first issue.

It should not be surprising to anyone that the writer of The Many Deaths of Laila Starr and Rare Flavors is excelling with this tale about the true meaning of life and death, but if anyone needs convincing, look no further than this issue. This series is the perfect reason for the Black Label imprint to exist, allowing writers to tell very introspective and philosophical series that skirt around the typical comic book tropes.

While much of the series has depicted Mitch fighting against his own destiny and learning what the true meaning of life is, this issue starts introducing the second part of that conversation, what happens when you truly abandon the path that you are on? It feels like a lot of writers wouldn’t dare approach that subject, mainly because the whole concept behind defying your destiny is accepting that you are acting upon your own will. But the whole idea behind Ram V approaching it so headstrong just makes this series so exciting.