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Postal: Laura #1 brings us to the real conclusion of Postal‘s run…for now, at least. Series co-creator Matt Hawkins has already said that he would like the book to continue. Considering that this is one of my all time favorite series, I’m in full agreement. For now, though, let’s see how the amazing creative team of Bryan Edward Hill (w) and Isaac Goodhart (a) wrap things up at this point.
First Read Reactions
- The new postmaster looks pretty badass…
- …and so does Eden’s new power couple.
- “Don’t worry about me, Mark. You grieve your loss and I’ll grieve mine.”
- I know Mark might seem socially disengaged, but the dude has a knack for showing astounding levels of empathy when you least expect it.
- Nothing good ever happens when bath salts are involved–especially when you combine with with a machete.
- BLAM.
- Mark’s ability to show mercy mixed with sadism is both terrifying and strangely admirable.
- Talk about your awkward meetings…
- That, ladies and gentlemen, might be the happiest panel I’ve ever seen of Mark Shiffron.
- Okay, I take it back. The last page definitely wins that distinction.
The Verdict
Now that’s how you wrap up a series while leaving things open for the future.
Are there still some unanswered questions? Of course. Hell, I’m still not sure my mind’s been completely right since reading Postal #25. But Postal: Laura #1 provides us with plenty of closure with the completion of some wonderfully rich character arcs. Unlike the brutality of Postal: Mark, Bryan Hill concludes Mark and Maggie’s reluctant journey to power with a absolutely beautiful coda earned through the most devastating/difficult part of their relationship. He also ties a bow on Mark’s relationship to his mother that perfectly encapsulates how they simultaneously love and despise in each in the same moment.
Don’t worry, though–the issue isn’t all emotional payoff and great dialogue. We still get a good dose of ass kicking brutality. Isaac Goodhart once again combines gory action with some really cool paneling affects to make the issue’s major action sequence into something even more explosive than it seemed.
I do wish we’d gotten to learn a little bit more about how things got to this point (or at least the space between the last issue and this one), but I’m not sure it’s necessary. In the end, we got an immensely satisfying conclusion that sets the table or some potentially great things down the road. Let’s hope we get to take another trip to Eden very soon.
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