The Terrifics #5 // Review
Jeff Lemire and Evan “Doc” Shaner continue working together on their ode to the Silver Age of comics as this series hits it out of the park yet again. The Terrifics does a wonderful job of taking surface-level inspiration from classic comics, while making it into something unique and completely all its own. This series manages to continually set itself apart from the very books that it has taken inspiration from. Between the wonderful character interactions and the massive concepts Lemire brings to the table, this series has something for everyone, standing as the flagship title as DC’s ‘New Age Of Heroes’ imprint continues forward.
From conception to execution, Doc was the perfect artist for the title; his signature style harkens back to the classic Silver Age of comics and brings a synergy to the title as it finds it’s quintessential look. Shaner and The Terrifics go hand-in-hand. The simple elegance of Shaner’s pencil work is matched with Nathan Fairbairn’s work on colors, keeping with the same unique color paper as previous issues, using the Metamorpho color scheme to not only display uniquely vibrant pages but to also fit with the threat of this new arc.
Lemire proceeds to shuffle between each character in this blossoming group of heroes, with so much endearment for each one of them adding to how special this series is becoming. Carrying on the trend of the past few issues, this issue is yet another easy jumping-on point for new readers, or readers simply wanting more Plastic Man each week.
Remaining ever the fan favorite, Plastic Man steals the show, as per usual. The duality between his comedic light-hearted side and his at times almost sad clown demeanor paints another layer to Plas, building onto the complexity of Eel O’Brian.
This series continues to prove itself issue after issue, and comes into its own while the narrative unfolds and the story continues. While managing to fill the pages with light hearted moments and outright comedic scenes, the down-to-earth moments sell this book as more than just another fun team-up title for children. Lemire creates another beautiful love letter to the Silver Age, and Shaner brings the specific style to fit perfectly within that role. With new each issue drawing in readers, the overall mystery of Tom Strong remains unanswered as the countdown to his arrival continues forward.
