For many, The Matrix was an awakening regarding what reality even is, which is a major focus in Napalm Lullaby. Issue #9 is out this week and continues to reveal how trippy it would be if a reality-bending character had free rein. Would we even know if our past “real” life was real at all? It’s a question I was pondering as Sam continues to unpack what his sister has seemingly done to unravel everything and rebuild it however she sees fit.
Napalm Lullaby #9 opens with a flashback, or at least we should presume it’s a real flashback. Napalm Lullaby #8 left off with Sam confronting his sister Sarah after discovering he was living in a false reality, so it’s not entirely clear if their time at the cinema watching Return of the Jedi is even real. The uncomfortable nature of not knowing what is real is pervasive in this issue, which feels like writer Rick Remender is pushing how we perceive powers similar to what Scarlet Witch can do in the Marvel Universe.
Be that as it may, whether the reality we’re witnessing is false or not, we get to see Sarah and Sam bond over Star Wars, which is a nice relatable connection. In fact, Remender and Bengal tie their youths to comics as well, further connecting them to media and, likely, our own youths. The flashback organically ends with their father forcing Sarah to take a pill, which brings us back to where we left off.
A relatable scene for nerds everywhere.
Credit: Image
From there, the issue dives into multiple realities, but first, we get to see a familiar robot from the first issue pop back into the past. The circular reveal at the beginning of the story is enlightening, seemingly revealing a truth that makes the start make some sense. Still, there’s not quite enough here to know what is going on exactly or where we go from here. That’s both exciting and slightly frustrating. But having patience with Remender trying out new things is usually well worth it.
Bengal positively slam dunks on this issue, particularly the reality warping montaging. As Sarah takes Sam through ideas of dreams, each panel becomes a different environment. From cavemen fighting in a broken-down Greece to upside-down floating castle worlds and frozen planets, we see Sarah’s power is infinite. The creativity of each world is exciting and interesting. The fact that Bengal gets to end in a Batman-style cave is even more fun. Pair the visuals with Remender’s connection to comics and pop culture, and one can see this is a celebration of comics and creativity.
Napalm Lullaby #9 continues its mind-bending narrative with stunning visuals and thematic depth, though its ambiguity may leave some readers feeling adrift. Those who enjoy reality-warping storytelling will find plenty to appreciate, but patience is required to grasp where the story is headed fully.
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