“How does one escape themselves?” That’s the question that opens Resurrection Man: Quantum Karma #5, but it could very well be a thesis statement on the series itself. For starters, there’s the fact that Mitch Shelley, the Resurrection Man, reincarnates into a different body with a different superpower each time he dies. But with Quantum Karma revealing that his future self is attempting a plan that might upend the entire universe. So how does Shelley escape someone who’s all-powerful and literally knows what he’s going to do?
Enter Christopher Chance, better known as the Human Target. Longtime DC fans know that Chance often helps protect his clients by literally taking on their identity. As a result, most of Quantum Karma #5 is a long conversation between Chance and Shelley, but it’s laced with some profound moments. When Shelley says it’s a good thing that he’ll soon die and forget his regrets, Chance replies, “They wouldn’t be regrets if they weren’t tethered to memories worth holding onto.”
That’s the kind of deep character work that Ram V has been showcasing throughout Quantum Karma, and it’s what makes this series such a great read. Rather than just stick to standard superhero storytelling, V’s determined to make this miniseries a treatise on identity and the way we live our lives, whether it’s taking on another’s identity or entering a new act in our lives. The ending, though, hints at a superpowered battle that feels truly epic – especially with a cameo from another DC character.
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That epic, yet ethereal feel wouldn’t be possible without Anand RK’s art. I’m in awe of how RK marks the passage of time with his pages, and even more impressed with the details he packs into each panel. One such panel features a ticking collection of gears under Shelley’s skin, which is revealed during a tense surgery scene. But the one page that stands out features a collection of panels that reflects Shelley’s past lives, with all of his friends and family at his side. It’s a powerful way of highlighting how his powers work, but also underlines the long life he’s led. Mike Spicer’s vibrant color work literally spills over the page, whether it’s the golden gears of Samsara, the icy blue of winter, or a reddish-brown collection of leaves in autumn.
The opening page perfectly complements RK’s art from the late, great Jackson “Butch” Guice. Guice draws a series of snapshots from Shelley’s life, backed up by Aditya Bidikar’s lettering which acts as a tone poem highlighting his search to find out who he is. It also foreshadows some of the major revelations that Quantum Karma #5 has set up. Resurrection Man: Quantum Karma #5 offers a meditation on identity and the way we live our lives, as the stage is set for Mitch Shelley’s final hour. While it may not be as big as previous issues, it does continue the gold streak this series has been on.
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