Black Hammer Age of Doom #9 // Review
Jeff Lemire and Dean Ormston paint a bleak picture of a Spiral City having never had any heroes of its own. After what was for all intents and purposes a full-fledged reboot of Lemire’s universe in issue seven, readers are taken through a tour of just how genuinely dark the world has become for the once superheroes. This rich world continues to grow with every new issue and mini-series. Lemire and Ormston know just how to bring the excitement with this beautiful superhero pastiche.
Talkie Walkie makes contact with Lucy Weber in the previous issue, as she attempts to explain the changes to the universe that have taken place. Lucy takes the robot's words with a grain of salt and leaves in utter disbelief. The rest of the ensemble cast take more of a backseat as they are used more as tools to highlighting just how grim and gritty this world has become post reboot. Lucy finds it within herself to look into what the robot had said, only to have her memories restored once again before closing out this chapter.
Dean Ormston continues to deliver the quintessential look of the series. His ability to highlight the grotesque and horrific only lends itself more to the weight of the scripts by Lemire. The duo remains in perfect synch as they deliver such a compelling issue, highlighting exactly why these heroes are needed in the first place. Dave Stewart continues to hell to color duties while accentuating the whole rugged motif of the series and especially for this particular chapter. Artist Sanford Greene also makes an appearance with his lovely variant cover as well.
Jeff Lemire can literally do no wrong. From one series to the next, issue after issue, and writing for multiple companies Lemire produces nothing short of spectacular works. This love letter to the medium continues to stand as easily one of the best comics on the market from any publisher. The charm and heart continue with every issue. His meta use of the reboot tool in comics is just yet another stroke of genius as he expands and develops this world into something even more vibrant and fulfilling.
The world continues to grow ever so large. This ambitious tale expands with every new issue and mini-series still to come. Lemire and Ormston have indeed worked together and created something magical that will stand the test of time. Akin to a 90’s Vertigo series, this title ascends time and supplants itself into the source wall of comics as a whole.
Grade: A+
