Boston's Best
So, I'm a veteran. I feel like I should make that preface before going further about this story-arc and this issue in particular. However, I'm also a 'human first' mindset. That being said, I also should preface this by saying I've not had the pleasure of reading Carmine's work from Strange Adventures so I do not know how well constructed those stories are. Ok - with that out of that way; I really enjoyed this arc. And without giving away everything, I want to share some of that.
From the beginning Rama was a nice touch and foil to Boston - offering him the chance at self development post-mortem. In all truth, I didn't know much of Brand's back story until Brightest Day which is I know a late jumping on point. Given that back-drop though - I was really taken in by all of the people whom Rama had him take on. I took an interest in all of their stories no matter how little attention they received during the previous issues. With my not being particularly religious - I enjoyed the spiritual journey Boston goes through in his interactions with Rama, things that go bump in the night and ultimately - The Son of Morning. It was good to see Boston get developed as a person - even beyond the veil.
I confess that, it was good to see the young vet come to terms with his living. I really loved how his philosophical predicament was explained by Boston in that " Even though he didn't die with them - he would've if he could.". That milieu dovetails really well with Boston walking out into the rain as he ponders his new existence. The answers he received from his hosts ultimately gave him his greater freedom from Rama. This took him even one step further than the goddess as he mused what we all have felt after the rain; Why not Me ? It was a great end to a good story; it wasn't cathartic or cynical but it wasn't overly warm and fuzzy either. I hope that this helps.
