Frostbite ends this week, but like any good story its end may spell a new beginning! We check out issue #6 to answer the question, is it good?
Frostbite #6 (Vertigo)
So what’s it about? The summary reads:
The sense-shattering conclusion of the hit miniseries arrives with a bang! Keaton has been cast out of the convoy, but Vic’s new allies are not to be trusted. If Keaton can take them out of the picture and get Vic to Alcatraz, can she even redeem herself?
Why does this book matter?
Writer Joshua Williamson and artist Jason Alexander have consistently given us a thrilling comic set in an intriguing dystopian future that’s more real life than science fiction. The story has involved deeply human emotions and raised the stakes every step of the way. If that’s not reason enough to finish it off what is?!
Fine, you have my attention. What’s good about it?
Sinner!
This issue feels very much Keaton’s as she rushes to get Vic to Alcatraz and one step closer to developing the cure to the Frostbite disease. She truly is a hero, but it was a long road to get there. She started as a reluctant hero, but Williamson has developed her in such a way you’ll be rooting for her even though she’s done some terrible things. You’ll come away from this issue not only wanting to see more from this character, but completely convinced she’s changed over the six-issue arc. That’s in part due to a fine flashback moment that almost suggests maybe we should forgive her for the murder she committed.
The actual events of the book are satisfying as well. Instead of dragging out the chase to Alcatraz there’s a swift wrap-up of that, which flows into the next stage of Vic’s journey. This leads to new revelations, a satisfying turn of events, and a cliffhanger that will make you want more. At this point I’d be surprised if there wasn’t a sequel and that’s very much a good thing.
Alexander doesn’t disappoint either. The opening action sequence is downright riveting at times and edge of your seat stuff. The poignant moments for Keaton later are touching and dreamlike in just the right way. The final full page splash is unnerving and a perfect thrill of an end to an always thrilling book. I particularly liked how Alexander drew a block of ice later in the issue. Avoiding spoilers, but it has texture and depth that’s almost real.
It can’t be perfect can it?
There’s one panel that irked me and it’s between Vic and Keaton later in the issue. Vic literally tells Keaton she has to stay in the cold to survive. Then a few panels later questions Keaton’s choice to live an existence in the cold and Keaton has to remind her that’s how she’ll survive. For a scientist you have a short memory Vic!
Run!
Is It Good?
A thrilling series comes to a thrilling end. I can’t say enough, if you dig pulse pounding storytelling you must read Frostbite.
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