The Good
It amazes me how Michael Del Mundo (and colorist Marco D'Alfonso) continue to outdo the brilliant work they've already produced in previous chapters. Issue after issue, ELEKTRA leaves me beyond impressed. The creative layouts and wonderfully presented panels find a way to please your eyes on each and every page. There's a jaw-dropping amount of work put into each and every page and steps are taken to make sure each is inventive and impactful in different ways. Something as simple and as brutal as Elektra stabbing a ninja in the face is still effective (and not to mention amazingly harsh) after seeing something a little more lighthearted, like her kicking someone in the head and stars are used to symbolize how the attack fazed them. And it's not just the characters that look good, either. The way these panels are set up and the angles that are used create some really spectacular sequences. Elektra standing in front of the dragon was staggering and her trip into the past was praiseworthy. No matter what the scene's tone may be, this art team finds a way to adapt and provides absolutely spectacular pages.
Equally impressive and creative is W. Haden Blackman's script. In just one issue, Blackman incorporates a thrilling fight scene, gives a terrific insight into Elektra, and the plot takes a big step forward. Oh, and did I mention there's a dragon eating Hand ninjas? Because there's that as well. Seriously, this chapter feels like it's just one memorable or epic moment after another and it never slows down. Something as simple as Elektra finding out where the Hand took Bullseye could have been executed in such a bland and straightforward manner, but instead of having her just gain information from sources in the traditional way (e.g. harsh interrogation), she needs to eat the heart of a dragon and relive a heartbreaking (pun totally not intended) moment. There's so much imagination in this script and it always manages to enthrall with fantastical elements. This story offers so much more than just Elektra fighting villains. As if that wasn't enough, there's even a very promising cliffhanger. You have moments of character, surreal and fascinating story elements and amazing action. It never hits a low point as it keeps moving forward and manages to impress in completely different ways.
The Bad
I've read the issue twice and no major criticisms come to mind. Well, unless you can count "how is this ending with issue #11?" as a bad thing. No scene failed to capture my interest and nothing had me questioning the logic behind a character's decision or a development in the story.
The Verdict
There are so many things I can say about why I love this issue and this creative team. I could go on and on about how the script is always exciting, even when characters are just offering exposition, or I could talk for hours about the phenomenal artwork. The thing is, no amount of praise will live up to just how much I really loved this issue. This team raised the bar incredibly high when they began the series and they continue to surpass my expectations. Just when I think things can't get any more out-there or exciting, they have Elektra's unforgettable team-up with a dragon and she needs to experience a painful moment all over again before she can move forward. Everything about this series continues to go above and beyond what I could hope for and, no matter how much I praise it, those words just won't live up to how good this comic actually is. It's a book that'll completely absorb your mind and your eyes. Please, do yourself a favor and bring ELEKTRA into your life. It'll give you a stunning escape from reality.
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