This month's instalment of unpredictable antics in "Irredeemable" is a comic that works on two ideas, and has one kill the other. The status quo of the book is almost reset and Mark Waid works to show the difference in how people operate and think with the Plutonian around once more. It's a similar gag with new variations at play. It feels like Waid is using his head to ensure there's logic in the progression of actions. At least, it feels that way for the first section of this issue.

The world has been ravaged and, while we've watched superheroes deal with this situation, it is nice to see the real world implications. Political machinations give the scope of the Plutonian's prior actions more gravity. You're left thinking about how the world would feasibly go on after such destruction. For a tale concerned with such insanely superpowered plots and schemes, it's refreshing to think about the next step for the little man on the street.

However, such real world reflections and concerns are quickly swept under the rug. The Plutonian is back to his usual tricks and he's trying to find ways to top himself. What actions could be worse than the sinking of a nation and the razing of a city? The Plutonian seems to be more concerned with amusing himself first, and striking terror into the hearts of innocents second, as he vandalizes America from outer space. It's a cool concept but it also says something about the state of mind of this very warped character.

The rest of the book quickly matches our villainous lead's state of mind as things descend into a bit of a farce. The heroes left alive react to the return of their greatest threat and his new friends, and it's all a bit surreal. People react in hyperbolic ways and the pace and tone feel manic. "Irredeemable" might be entering yet another phase and, if the last page is any indication, it will certainly grab your attention.

Peter Krause does some interesting things with the Plutonian, especially toward the end of the issue. This maniacal villain has often been painted as a tortured man. Events and the world conspired against him, and it was not his fault. Here, we are shown a gleeful bully who simply does not care anymore. His arc over the entire series is facing a great shift in this issue.

"Irredeemable" is either losing it or poising itself for something great. The exact same thing can be said of its lead character. Destruction on a global scale is impressive, but is trumped by the private actions of one sad man. This title might never have been as dangerous as it is right now.