Don’t worry. It’s too late for me to fall into a lengthy ramble about how wonderful this series is. I’ll keep it brief, because there’s just an insane amount of things to love about it and I’d rather not taint any of it with my fatuous recollections.
Most importantly this is unlike any comic I have read so far. It’s the first full Vertigo title I’ve devoured and it lived up to its mature reader status. Not because it contains sex, violence or language of a stronger nature (which it does) but because of its ideas. The themes and questions it poses the reader are there to be pondered, not preached. And it projects a wonderful and disturbing myriad of viewpoints. It also never panders or underestimates the reader’s intelligence.
What I appreciate and admire so much about this series is just how well formulated and executed it is. From start to finish—and there is a most finite ending—it weaves an epic, yet concise, story arc that feels omniscient in itself. Unlike most ongoing comic runs, there are very few characters that only appear once. Everyone has a roll in the grand scheme and, although he’s the titular character, the Lightbringer only shines as bright as he does with the shining cast of stars he surrounds himself with. The art is thoroughly delightful by all who contributed.
The book is very accessible. You can dive right in cold. You don’t need to have read Sandman or any contextual material. Despite all the high concepts of creation, or the absence of, omniscience, infinity and realities outside of time and space, it never feels esoteric or self-indulgent. It’s consistently thoughtful and fun. As it winds down to a close, there is a bittersweet satisfaction to it all. A prized addition to my library.
