Twelve #7 (OF 12)

Every month it seems that I write a review in my efforts to extol this book and drum up support. I suspect that, at this point, those who love this book (like me) will continue to read it, and those who are disinterested or are awaiting the trade will not.

Again, JMS uses this bizarre cast of characters brilliantly. The Phantom Reporter is the most important protagonist in this book, although the sub-plot involving Wonder Man and his poor sidekick Tim is strong as well (albeit a bit predictable).

My favorite aspect of this book involves the Phantom Reporter's investigation. We know from issue 1 or 2 (my memory fails) that the Blue Blade will die. The Phantom Reporter, attempting to defend Dynamic Man against charges of murder, visits Master Mind Excello. He finds that one of the Twelve will soon die, yet his concern is not that he will be the one to die. Rather, he worries that he is the murderer. That's pretty heavy.

I am growing to like Chris Weston's art more and more. He does a fantastic job of showing characters' pain just by featuring lines in their faces. The colors remain great, as I have previously noted. This is a brilliantly produced comic.