All good things must come to an end and that goes for comic books too believe it or not. Lucas Stand has been an exciting series very much worth an adaptation into a TV series, but can it cap off its final issue and bring it home? Is it good?
Lucas Stand #6 (BOOM! Studios)
So what’s it about? The full summary reads:
Final issue! Lucas jumps into the future for the first time and discovers what the influencer demon’s plans will lead to.
Why does this book matter?
We spoke to co writer Caitlin Kittredge a few months ago and she enlightened us on the process invigorating our joy of the series. This is all from the mind of Kurt Sutter, creator of Sons of Anarchy (and another on the way that sounds rad), which is probably why it has an episodic feel.
Fine, you have my attention. What’s good about it?
Recap montage time!
As final issues go this one does a great job recapping where we’re at with the character and story, effectively making this easy on new readers. Of course, new readers won’t likely be starting here, but the opening works to remind us the journey the character has been on to make the conclusion that much more impactful. That’s helpful for this issue particularly because the time and place is so foreign and unrecognizable. The main character eases into his surroundings–another rare thing for him in this series–and slowly becomes too comfortable.
Which is why this issue works so well. It flips the script and by doing so focuses everything on Lucas, effectively testing his willpower and what he’s learned so far. It’s a reminder that this series has been very good at focusing on the protagonist and their journey. It works to develop the character further, push characters to take great action, and set up an adequate conclusion.
Backgrounds and environments look particularly great due to Jesús Hervás’s art. He has a gritty, almost muddy look that suits the time and place of this issue, but don’t get me wrong, some of these vistas are downright beautiful. Characters look strong too, with a great panel featuring Lucas’ Viking look coming to grips with his real reflection. Some of the best stuff is downright horrific in this issue that’ll make your stomach turn when you see it. Let’s just say he brings a grotesque arachnid into a sensual situation.
It can’t be perfect can it?
The melodrama between characters is a bit confusing, especially in the final pages, which left me at a loss for what was going on exactly. Ultimately it all comes back around to the beginning, which is nice, though it gets a little convoluted for its own good. It seems to focus on this more than it should too, which makes the bigger conflict fall into the background.
Really nice backgrounds.
Is It Good?
Lucas Stand has been great at focusing in on character while the premise does its thing. This makes it easy to put yourself in Lucas’ shoes and go on the ride with him. This conclusion has a fitting ending, flipping the script to re-up the excitement.
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