Polarity #4

written by Max Bemis
art by Jorge Coelho

The superhero mythology of his bi-polar metaphoric fever dream continues to spin away from Bemis, but his handle on the heart of his semi-autobiographical mini-series is strongest here.  His delivery, a more or less straightforward manifesto of hipster loathing and acceptance, is somewhat unoriginal and unsubtle, but after three issues of erratic (if entertainingly whimsical) angst and superhero antics, it was necessary for Bemis to clear the air, to clarify as much as possible his own relationship with his cultural movement.  And, in conformity with the overall impression of previous issues, it's pleasantly generous if frustrated.  As before, Polarity #4's finest moments are the small, personal ones.  Tim's confession of love to Lily, in particular, is both genuinely sweet and funny.

The superhero conspiracy is, however, if you'll forgive the turn of phrase, somewhat half-baked.  The transition of Dr. Mays from trusted confidant to deranged, power-hungry mad scientist is a considerable stretch, even if his weary frustration is comical as both.  The shadowy forces behind his employment remain entirely in the shadows, and the reasons for wanting to develop an army of mental-patients-turned-superpowered-soldiers remains unexplained.  The placement of sleeper agents, including the homeless man with multiple personalities, is clever but sloppily deployed.  The conclusion of this criminal conspiracy conversely far too tidy.

[July 2013]