Things got really bad in Napalm Lullaby #6 to the point where all seemed lost. Because of that, Napalm Lullaby #7 may feel like whiplash, as a dreamlike world is unveiled and the reader attempts to make sense of things. Largely focused on Sam, the undercurrent of the perils of religion eats away at a perfect world that’s anything but.
Dreams and reality blend in the latest issue, leaving the reader guessing what is going on. The issue opens in the dark. Captions detail how nothing really matters, and we just need to have some good happen to get through it. They appear to be from Sarah, who we last saw seemingly blowing everything up.
Enter Sam, the son of a Superman-like hero who was the savior of a new religion, who wakes to an attractive woman who appears to be his wife. We know he has no wife or kids, but it all seems perfectly normal. They live by a lake similar to Lake Como in Italy, and he’s truly blessed. He might say “Jesus” by accident and get a scolding, but what’s not to love?
The close up on Sam makes you wonder if he’s aware of what is really going on.
Credit: Image
Soon, he’s traveling to town to interview someone, and once again, you’re trying to piece things together. Given his sister’s powers one might assume it’s all fake, but it’s not until literal deus ex machina arrives that things become more clear.
Once you reflect on the events of the issue, it’s clear this is more of a pitstop than a bonafide plot progressing chapter. What makes things a touch harder to swallow is how we’ve waited over three months for this chapter, which has made it even more unsatisfying. The story is told in an interesting way and it sets up a new team up, but it’s hard to not feel a bit bitter knowing we may need to wait months longer for more.
That said, Bengal continues to deliver art with a great action scene that runs two-thirds through the book. The opening with Sam and his wife feels very real and believable as she tries to coerce him into sleeping with her. The strange man Sam interviews has an anime feel to him, with no eyes, only glasses, and great nervous body language.
As a bottle episode, Napalm Lullaby #7 is quite enjoyable. Napalm Lullaby delivers an intriguing, dreamlike detour with compelling visuals and philosophical undertones, but its slower pace and lack of significant plot progression may leave readers yearning for more momentum, especially after the long wait.
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