The Good
My fellow ELEKTRA fans, the finale is here. We don't want it to be the finale and we know this series deserves more time, but we must accept this sad, sad truth. Thankfully, the title leaves us the same way it began: with a ton of spectacular-looking action and an excellent insight into Elektra's mind. You didn't really expect anything less though, did you? Of course not!
Some comics thrive because they're character-driven. Others because of the spectacle they offer. And some impress because of the elaborate and interesting worldbuilding. The point is, it's not every day a series brings multiple strengths to the table and they often shine for one or two reasons. However, W. Haden Blackman made sure ELEKTRA offers all three on a consistent basis. While I do have some criticisms about the way things play out (it's surprisingly formulaic -- sorry, that word comes off as snobby but it really is fitting here -- compared to the previous chapters), it's still an amazing comic which justifies the $3.99 cover price and then some. Considering how action-heavy it is, it does feel like a pretty quick read, but the combination of the brutal yet astonishing action and a proper look at Elektra's thoughts makes it such a gripping journey. There's even an amusing nod to one of the biggest moments from DAREDEVIL #181 -- you know, the moment before the really big one.
This series has one of those "oh man, I really wish this wasn't over" kind of endings. It's basically the beginning of an exciting new story, so it's a shame we more than likely won't have the opportunity to see it all unfold. I recently heard scientists are going to attempt to contact a parallel universe. If so, I hope they ask them whether ELEKTRA went beyond issue #11.
Artist Michael Del Mundo and colorist Marco D'Alfonso are brilliant storytellers -- no amount of praise will really be enough. Every single panel has my complete and undivided attention. Sometimes, a comic's visuals aren't striking and you find yourself skimming through the artwork and focusing on the writing. Here, every panel has me totally absorbed and they make this story come to life in such a breathtaking way. No matter what the script calls for -- whether it's someone being struck, a drastic reaction, or something out-there -- these two never fail to impress. There's several great visual teams out there, but these two? They're without question one of the best art teams around and this issue of ELEKTRA is absolutely proof of that. Right from the opening splash page, your eyes are going to be hooked. I'm just blown away by how good this all looks. I know art is subjective and some of you out there may not enjoy the style, but the huge amount of creativity and effort that goes into creating these pages is something everyone can notice. Oh, and that cover? Beautiful.
The Bad
This series has been so creative and since we know Marvel's heading towards building a whole new universe, it's a little disappointing to see the very familiar "choose to save someone or get the bad guy!" option presented instead of truly concluding the conflict with Bullseye. In that moment, I can't help but feel like Elektra would have no problem disabling her significantly weakened enemies and then return to save the injured girl in a matter of a few seconds at most. And as entertaining as the issue is, it's a little tough to swallow someone overcoming such a dramatic injury because of will power and then proceeding to kick all kinds of ass. We see it all the time (Arrow!), but I was honestly expecting something more out-there to occur than her basically overcoming the absurdly violent injuries she just withstood. When a book is constantly throwing surprises your way and embracing the more surreal elements this world has to offer, it's a little disappointing to have things play out in such a familiar way. The way Elektra hinders Bullseye is a nice example of how this book stands apart from the rest, though! I can't help but wonder if this would conflict have been handled a little differently if the creative team had more time to tell the story.
Doesn't impact the score: Bullseye's remark about Elektra being better than him and being able to take him any day of the week seemed a little out of character. Maybe the recent experiences he's been through has changed his ego, but the way he acted in all of their previous encounters doesn't make me think he believes Elektra is his superior. I imagine he respects her talent and deep down he probably believes a fight between them could be a coin flip, but considering his ego and the amount of pain he's inflicted to her, it was a tad surprising to see what he said.
The Verdict
ELEKTRA leaves us with an issue that's full of gorgeous and imaginative visuals, thrilling action, and an ending that makes you wish it wasn't saying "goodbye." It's simply bringing it on every single level. It may not be as inventive as some of the previous chapters, but it's still able to wrap things up in an engaging and entertaining way while also giving us a conclusion that's thoroughly satisfying -- I just wish we could see what happens next! Just remember, it's better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all. And ELEKTRA? This series sure gave us a lot to love.