Here we are folks. It’s been over one year, but the end has come. It’s time for Protectors, Inc. to say goodbye with its final issue. While it got off to a very slow start and had some problems, it was a very enjoyable and interesting murder mystery in a superhero world. How does this comic end? Is it good?
Protectors, Inc. #10 (Image Comics)
Detective Riley is facing down the true villain of this entire series, having figured out who exactly killed or has been involved in all of the murders in this series. However, his suspect is a lot stronger now and he might not be able to win this. Meanwhile, Angel and the Patriot are facing down their opponents, also involved in all of this insanity. Will the heroes win and bring the villains to justice?
Since this is the final issue of the series and also the conclusion to this big mystery, this review is going to be as spoiler free as it can be. You’ll have to find out the true culprit by reading the series for yourself. But as for the comic in general, I would say that this was a pretty decent conclusion for everything. It does a fair job of wrapping everything up, whatever remaining plot threads there are, and is quite good at being able to connect everything back to previous issues. Heck, even an issue that felt like filler early on plays some significance here from a character standpoint. Now there was one minor thing that wasn’t covered in the end that raises some dark questions (it’s not something you might think about right away, but you’ll probably realize it after a bit), but that was it.
Despite that, the comic does have some minor problems or areas that could have used some extra polish. The ending is a bit rushed unfortunately and feels a tad like a deus ex machina was used to ensure that this comic would end on a happy note. I’m all for a good ending, but considering how well everything else built up or developed, this didn’t work that much for me. The relationship between Riley and Angel is also a little rushed, where it is a bit difficult to believe that they are in love or have romantic feelings (the comic does enough to make it believable that they care for each as friends though). Also, some of the dialogue didn’t sound though natural and came across as rather weird or forced.
The writing otherwise is fine overall. The characterization and development is rather good I found. The characters did feel like they grew, evolved, or were shown to have different layers to them that made them feel more real, especially with Riley (compare him at the beginning of the series and now). There are some nice tender moments that work, fitting everyone rather well. The pacing is nice, never dragging or feeling rushed, at least until the ending. Speaking of which, the ending does feel like it is leaving the door slightly open for a sequel or follow up. Not in a cheap way mind you (like a lot of plot threads are left unanswered or there is a twist), but in a way that feels like if the author ever wants to revisit this world, he could.
The artwork is always been something that I’ve been mixed on for the series and that sadly extends to this issue. It’s never been bad at all and does a competent job, but it’s never really pushed the boundaries or had some incredible imagery that really elevated the book. The characters, the action, the coloring, and the layouts are all just fine and look alright. I will say the final page is handled rather nicely and looks solid though, ending the book rather well.
Is It Good?
Protectors, Inc. #10 is a solid conclusion to the series, bringing the mystery and characters’ journeys to a close. There are some parts that could have been done better, but the book came together quite nicely in the end and provided a very enjoyable tale from beginning to end. I look forward to rereading this again in the future at some point and I hope you all do as well.
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