A comiXologist Recommends
Of Toasters and Existential Despair
First of all, we have to talk about how great the art is in this issue. Full disclosure here: Michael Walsh is one of my favorite artists. I first noticed him in the recent run of Secret Avengers, where his calligraphic line work gives a strong sense sense of energy and dynamism. And he does an amazing job as guest artist on this issue of Vision, but here the art reminded me more of the lines of a woodcut. This seemed entirely appropriate for the story, of Vision and Scarlet Witch “some time ago.” The style hailed a far off time, putting me in mind of Grimm’s Fairy Tales. As this is a somewhat twisted and tragic tale, the association worked well for the story.
Vision and Scarlet Witch shippers will glory in the hurt of this issue. If you count yourself among them, maybe you weren’t thrilled at the premise of this book, of Vision having a new family. Read this issue. Not only will you have the chance to revel in some choice Vision/Scarlet Witch moments, but you will understand. And it will hurt.
Existential despair is a funny thing. Literally, in this issue. Stop me if you heard the one about the toaster. What does it mean to be empty? What does it mean to have an identity, as a father, lover, friend? What does it mean to have someone you can discuss these things with? Someone who sees who you are? This issue uses Vision and Scarlet Witch’s relationship to ask some pretty big questions. I recommend reading it in the dark and then crying about the meaninglessness of it all, and then finding someone you love and hugging them very tight.
Tia Vasiliou is a Digital Editor at comiXology. That’s all she’s going to write for her bio because life is ultimately meaningless.