Anatomy Of An Issue: Mister Miracle #1 (2017)

[@StrangeBrainParts]

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[@toganium4175]

I always interpreted the distorted pages as something not being quite right with Scott’s memories. After all, he later says that he doesn’t remember anything wrong with how Granny Goodness treated him, despite Barda’s rage towards Granny.

[@goodguybrian9764]

He very much sees stuff wrong he just has far more fond memories he very much has mixed feelings not purely thinking she did no wrong lol

[@JeghedderThomas]

It was a highly appealing yet horrible reading experience, heartbreaking but consuming. I feel I should give it a re-read after this.

[@BlueBoboDoo100]

This series had a profound effect on me, in a way that very few things do. It hit me at the exact right moment in time, and I felt that I had finally found someone (Tom King) that felt what I was going through, even when I struggled to express it myself. I think I was outright sobbing through the entire final issue. It's a series that helps me a lot to think about when the pangs of depression hit. "Darkseid is." "Yeah, I know. But... we are too".

[@javib2978]

Good thing this has a warning description ad.

[@javib2978]

Um... Hello people!! A quick reminder here. Okay. I don't have any mental disorder. Like I have said a very few times. I am not mentally ill. I am born with level 2 autism. It's not an illness. It's considered a disability. I am disabled after all. I'm autistic. I am not a minority. I may be legal of age. But, I can't be qualified as an independent person. I'm still just a kid. According to my parents point of view. I'm still a child. A child who needs attention with mommy, daddy, and family alike. I'm scared to leave my parents and family life. I am still a pampered baby young adult child. People, don't take me very seriously. I am apathetic and apolitical for political ideals. I have no ties to the left and right parties. I'm not considered complex at all. I only have simple minded views. You can call me nicknames like Little Brother, Baby Brother, Baby Boy, Kid, Son, Boy, young Man, Boyo, Kiddo, or Boy Child. I don't like drama, violence, political views, being serious, judging, and negative stuff about me. I need my requirements of childlike escapism, imaginative mind, and bubbly curiosity to deal with the big outside world. I need this to cope against my shyness, pressure, and scared panicking as a whole. Hee hee!! Well, that is all I here to discuss today. Thank you everyone. Bye!!

[@javib2978]

As for me. I'm the oldest child. I am cautious, adaptable, seeks attention, fun, uncomplicated, charming, peacemaker, self-centered, outgoing, seeks approval, and sensitive.

[@jpboursaw4469]

This blows away the notion that mainstream comics have become pale echoes of what has gone before! Looking forward to the rest of the analysis, but I wonder if one of the things the series is secretly trying to say is that there’s one other thing Scott Free (whoever he truly is) can never escape. Himself.

[@NerdettesNewsStand]

One of my favorite comics, ever

[@SKSith]

I love the art style. The vague backgrounds fit the theme of shutting down very well.

[@markshulusky6680]

Great insight into the series. The art is eye-catching, like Bill Sienkiewicz or Neal Adam's (before Adam's slopped the ink on over his pencils, that is. Line work be damned... or drowned). I simultaneously love Kirby's writing for it's narrative flow and cringe at it's often stilted dialog. But as an idea man, for adventure based stories, he was among the best.

[@MD0K]

I always felt this Mr Miracle series and Fraction/Aja's Hawkeye somewhat connected. The inpressionist esque art, the exploration of secondary character's humanity and fallibility, and the humor. The whole veggie tray is insane

[@muttjones222]

Great analysis! I think the point of Oberon having a piece of tape over his head is to signify that his presence is just “pasted onto the page” as it were, only to find out he was possibly never there at all. The image looks very similar to original comic art where figures or elements are pasted over artwork that needed to be changed or adjusted. So it could be symbolic of Oberon not actually being there originally and “reality” adjusted his existence.

[@StrangeBrainParts]

Ah! That may be the case. I was caught up by the fact that it was always over his eyes. So, I was thinking it had something to do with the old tradition of taping pennies over a deceased person's eyes. And that was the residue we were seeing. But...it just didn't seem accurate.

[@muttjones222]

@@StrangeBrainParts Mmm the fact it only covers his eyes is an interesting point. I went to the comic construction analysis because so much of what makes this book effective is because of its format. So much of Scott’s sense of reality is tested because he’s a character in a comic book and so, all the elements that mess with him are done using that format. His image can be distorted, recolored, and redrawn, background elements are sketched in, and characters can be pasted in or removed. My favorite part about this book is when Scott is relatively relaxed but a panel of “Darkseid Is” can be interjected randomly to signify his state of mind is still troubled. The other characters don’t see it but we, the reader do, and it’s a wonderful use of the medium as storytelling.

[@StrangeBrainParts]

I do agree. It uses the medium very well. One thing I did cut, because I didn't think it was well argued, is the call/response aspect of, "Darkseid is." That is, the phrase is the call, and its effect on Scott's state of being is the response. Which, due to the static nature of the medium, is hard to make a convincing argument. That is, Scott's reaction is hard to tell because we don't have a moving image to see subtle differences. I'd have to go back and look, but I think the phrase generally shows up in moments where stress is heightened...or being heightened. But that may be to your point anyway. It's in quiet, relaxed times when these thoughts intrude. Regardless, I'm basically agreeing with you. :)

[@JTR_3]

The idea of it being two different dimensions fading in and out does make sense. Morrison had codified that what is happening in the "true" Fourth World is on another vibrational dimension where the characters aren't people, they are all encompasing concepts. So the idea of the Earth dimension clashing with the other will manifest in this earth in unpredictable ways. That's basically what Final Crisis was in a way.

[@cozen_kevalas]

Your monsters are always so provocative. Thank you.

[@StrangeBrainParts]

Oh, well...thank you very much! That's very kind of you.

[@Tylerbremner]

One of my favourite comics. I read this before my son was born and it hit different

[@samwill7259]

Scott has always relied on Barda She's strong, unshakable, and her love for him is burning, unquestionable. The kind of thing that can keep him standing no matter what.The fact that she might be changing under him, that this THING in his mind is messing with that love hits him harder than anything else ever could.

[@Tarkus337]

Love this comic, and most of Tom Kings work, really enjoy Him and Mitch Gerads other collaboration Strange Adventures.

[@StrangeBrainParts]

I'm still getting through that! And I have The Human Target on deck, too. Not to mention, Rorschach. I'm not sure which one to commit to first, though.

[@JTR_3]

​@@StrangeBrainParts I'd say go in the order they were published:Strange, Rorschach, Human

[@ctbinary42]

Another reason why your my favorite comic book KZbinr. I’m going out this minute to pick the trade up. You got me interested in this one!

[@StrangeBrainParts]

You know, I would have thought you had this already!

[@alexbraun3595]

I think this series is great, but honestly this reads much better in single issues rather than the collected edition as you can take more in as opposed to each chapter almost bleeding into each other.

[@ryanleite8497]

Re read the whole miniseries after seeing this video and I'm now dying to hear your thoughts on the rest of the issues🙏

[@ericmiller93]

My favorite comic ever.

[@glazestelar]

i desperately need more of this

[@andrewumana9586]

Man I’m so glad I read this graphic novel last year it’s truly amazing

[@duartepako9220]

Need more issue deep dives like this !

[@jeremysmith4620]

Great job covering Mister Miracle, a fantastic exploration of the character, the story, and the comics medium as a whole while acting as a love letter to Kirby. I hope you decide to cover the series in it's entirety, as it is certainly a gem among the superhero works of the big two that rise above the typical tropes of the medium. The series manages to say a great deal about the human condition, middle aged existence, the struggle to find your place in the world you thought would have been clear before half your life passed by, the complications of relationships, and the trauma of family. I think the world of the series and think that it is an important work that is sometimes looked over. Thank you for always taking such care and exercising caution when diving into what is always, inevitably, someone's favorite book. No KZbinr does it better.

[@sarah07290]

Hope you'll continue with the entire series! This is really great.

[@RAlanBryan2112]

after seeing this video I am going to grab the trade paperback of the 12 issue series and enjoy it all over again. Thank you. The video was excellent

[@StrangeBrainParts]

Thank you very much! Enjoy your re-read.

[@ryaneasterling1556]

Great video as always, a full look at the series sounds good to me

[@earwigismadlove]

I am amazed. Great review, most of my friends told me that this wasn't a great comic because "it's Tom King" but I am glad to see that someone else gave this book a fair shake.

[@robling1937]

I've been meaning to read this series and I think this is the push I needed to actually buy it and dive in.

[@cghirardo5951]

This is a well done and insightful video. Look forward to hearing more.

[@alfredolopez9642]

I'd have this comic series recommended to me from time to time but, until now, I really didn't thought it was something I'd like. A story dealing with tough subject matters involving a classic not so well-known character with great experimental artwork, and paying homage to Jack "The King" Kirby. That sounds right up my alley.

[@Someguywithalotoftism]

Scott coming to the person closest to him and having it do nothing but harm made me cry when I read it

[@Someguywithalotoftism]

It was too real lol I've been there

[@NotEntirelyThere]

We need a full. Siri is breakdown. You did amazing dog.

[@peterlinfield]

Incredible analysis, as always. Love your videos and was really impressed with this series.

[@DanJamesV]

Amazing video!

[@ashvanichaudhary9782]

Would you be making more of these anatomy videos because this was absolutely beautiful.

[@Master.Maverick]

So glad I own these comics.

[@elviskleber10]

I love this first page, it has an almost Monalisa esque facial expression.

[@devinagonistes]

Thanks for such a great video! I love these deep dives, but especially on first issues. We read this series for my comics book club, it was one of the few everyone enjoyed.

[@juancornes4933]

incredible analisys!! can't wait for the rest of the series

[@EtcEtcEtcFilms]

One of the best comics of the last decade in my opinion. A fantastic series that warrants repeat reading! So many layers and themes worth discussion.

[@Dragon_Moth]

Please, please, cover the whole series, I am a fan of The New Gods and you are my favourite youtuber and it would be soooo cool

[@stevenguitink5947]

I'd be interested in hearing a full analysis of this series. I love this mini-series but its also one that bakes my noodle and I love hearing interpretations of stuff like this.

[@castironchaos]

I never read this series, and thanks to this video I am seriously regretting it. While we've seen "psychological drama" comics before, I certainly didn't expect to see one set in the Fourth World, which was Kirby's foray into mythology...followed by decades of mostly inferior writers and artists trying to redo what Kirby did, with varying degrees of success. Kirby's original work was anything but subtle, and when he wrote and edited his own stories. along with drawing them, "subtlety" was often lost admist the epic and cosmic scale of the stories Kirby told and showed us. See also "The Hunger Dogs", his unfortunately failed attempt to bring something of a conclusion to the saga.

[@nerdfatha]

Fantastic breakdown. thank you!

[@amanzeihedioha]

Could you do a video on Strange Adventure? I really want to hear your thoughts on king's take on Mister Terrific...it's a lot...to say the least.

[@niksantalab]

Can you PLEASE do a video deep dive on Shade the Changing Man????

[@Ali-fs7ze]

Excellent video.

[@kos8571]

I may just read this soon just so I can watch this 😊

[@paulmiller996]

Awesome

[@Brilchan]

Thank you for the cool video :D

[@paulnash9851]

Oops, missed this one when it came out, mainly because the thumbnail you used is different to your usual style. My bad... Great work as always though !!!

[@caincha]

Great video! It's been a long time I've seen a review that made me want to try and read something and this definitely made me curious. Going online right away to see if I can find this collection somewhere - seems to be really good! 😃

[@niksantalab]

Do a video on Shade the Changing Man!

[@niksantalab]

Do a video on Shade the changing man!

[@tompuce84]

loving it!

[@martyrocks2091]

You have inspired me to read this again. I bought the trade a few years ago and have only read it once. I thought it was very good, if a bit dark. A very clever and very well done homage to Kirby's Fourth World. Superb job, SBP. 👍

[@ericmiller93]

Batman kills babies.

[@victorgonzalez9605]

I really didn't like omega men and the vision, so liking Mister miracle was a pleasant surprise for me... I really liked the way they portrayed Barda and her relationship to Scott. Great review, hope we get to see some more from this series.

[@sephiroth900000]

Thank you for covering this man. This is a important book to me for how close I relate to this book a lot. I met Mitch Gerads at a event and got issue #1 and #10 signed and cgc. I'm gonna meet Tom King at my big comic con and I'm going thank him for his work on this book. I also wanted to read Mister Miracle because of your fantastic Jack Kirby Fourth World. You opened my eyes to why Jack Kirby is the king.

[@whereismyfotoyo2099]

Long life to Maxisol, the Man Miracle... Novaro readers will understand.

[@nicodemous52]

OH, Tom King... Misery is the point. That's the only interpretation now that I understand.

[@bvarsho1]

Notoriety?

[@anibal5845]

No hope and no escape is exactly how I would classify DC and Marvel right now. Edit: I wanted to mention specifically about this book, Tom King burned every bridge of sympathy from me, he is on my Do No Read list. Maybe this is indeed a great book, but I'm not going to waste any of my precious time on it. Regardless, this video was excellent, as usual.

[@jamesedwardclard]

Really great first issue. Was really excited about this series when it first came out. first 5 or 6 issues were fantastic I thought....then it started to drag.... and then ending was just terrible, did not work at all in my opinion. Was such a disappointed waste of potential, I've avoided anything by Tom King since. From what I hear he just does the same story over and over, Turning Superheros into obvious stand ins for him and his wife, every story is just a soapbox for him to whine about his PTSD, and can NEVER stick the ending.

[@o82774]

The original Mister Miracle was mysterious, magical, and creative, This series is derivative, contrived, reductionist, and utterly mundane to the point of banality. Comics as therapy is fine. Just please make your own stories instead of bastardizing existing classics to do so.

[@Skipray_Blastboat]

I can see why people thought this was interesting when it came out. In the context of Tom King's career now this just seems like more of his bread and butter post modern, revisionist, misery and depression porn, that says a lot more about the author then it does the popular characters it hijacks and rides into the ground. It also seems to fly in the face of Jack Kirby's forever hopeful and exuberant spirit. I can't see Kirby appreciating this dark distortion of his world and characters. I'd rather read an obituary.

[@blackphoenix77]

I'm tired of Tom King's depressing comics about the psychological conditions of superheroes. He needs to stop using comics as therapy and go see a psychiatrist.

[@johnthai6188]

well looking at the psychological part of superheroes stories are called character driven fiction. when you look at how these characters think, and what would they do. so that, they can move the plot forward. also, you have his supergirl and superman books, which are more hopeful books. near the end of mister miracle it becomes hopeful about life and how important family is to the individual.

[@flyingningahero5961]

Tom king's constant self insertion is irritating to me

[@CavemanBatman]

I loved this series when it came out, but after reading Kirby’s Fourth World Omnibus, I found this series really disappointing. Most, if not all, of the Fourth World characters act very out of character, but perhaps that’s due to the anti life equation

[@dhdusjdhsl5785]

this comic is pretentious AF hahaha. Mid 6/10

[@niksantalab]

Do a video on Shade the changing man!