REVIEW: DC's Mister Miracle Falters an Ambitious Challenge in The Great Escape
- WRITER
- Varian Johnson
- Artist
- Daniel Isles
- Letterer
- AndWorld Design
- Publisher
- DC
- Price
- 16.99
- Release Date
- 2022-01-25
Many of DC Comics' young adult titles are stand-alone stories and aren't a part of DC Universe's main canon. Mister Miracle: The Great Escape, written by Varian Johnson with artwork by Daniel Isles, changes this trend. While this graphic novel isn't technically canon, the book relies on prior comic knowledge more than any other of DC's YA graphic novels -- specifically the lore around Apokolips. Overall, Mister Miracle: The Great Escape blends classic YA tropes into the superhero genre with a unique artistic style.
In Mister Miracle: The Great Escape, Mister Miracle, aka Scott Free, is trying to escape Goodness Academy, a school that trains students to be soldiers under the watch of Granny Goodness. Along with this challenge, Scott develops feelings for the newest leader of the Furies, Big Barda. Off the back, this book will appeal to those who love a classic YA story about rebellion and forbidden romance; although the romance aspect of this story feels rushed, which is unfortunate when both characters are charming in their own ways.
Scott has a clear voice with well-defined inner and outer conflict. Along with dealing with whatever Granny Goodness has in store for him, readers get a glimpse into the trauma that haunts him, as well as how his interpersonal relationships impact his choices. However, one might wish they could see his dynamics with his found family instead of being told about them. While Scott is not the strongest hero out there, his cunningness is on full display, and he is a great example of how it doesn't take just brawn to be a hero.
Mister Miracle: The Great Escape faces a challenge that many YA titles have: what should be the story's priority, romance or rebelling against the system? With the high stakes of Apokolips, it feels like the rebellion should take more precedence, especially when those heavier issues arrive. Glimpses of the nightmares these characters face, as well as mentions of their tragic backstories, cement this is a life or death situation. Readers might like to see more of this than being told about it -- especially concerning Barda and Scott's past.
If the reader is familiar with DC's Darkseid and Apokolips, they could look beyond this pitfall. Unfortunately, for those just entering Apokolips, worldbuilding needs to be established. Johnson's setup often leans too heavily on exposition. The book establishes the hierarchy and systems in place, but with its compelling characters, a deadly setting, and a ticking clock, perhaps a larger series would benefit it. From the high school setting to the star-crossed lovers to a prophecy about a chosen one, Mister Miracle: The Great Escape checks off a lot of fantasy narrative boxes. Thankfully, Mister Miracle: The Great Escape has potential for future stories. It would be interesting to revisit an in-depth version of this world and its characters across several books.
Mister Miracle: The Great Escape's artwork is highly stylized. While its artwork can be hit or miss, it nevertheless stands out as unique. There is a soft and fluid feel to Isles' art. Given the out-of-this-world setting, it works to see Apokolips and its inhabitants in a less realistic way. It's Isles' detailed work that stands out -- specifically with some of the creatures Scott encounters, and the book's dynamic action sequences. The Great Escape has fun lettering and a brilliant color palette. When readers are up close with these characters, their expressions are crystal clear. However, characters at times can appear flat when a panel is not up close and personal.
Mister Miracle: The Great Escape has the building blocks to be an interesting introduction to the world of Apokolips for new readers -- especially with Scott as the leading character and an art style that is unlike what people assume of mainstream superhero comics. For fans of YA fiction and superheroes, this could be a win-win. However, given its length, a lot of the elements feel rushed. There is plenty of potential here for more stories to come out of this one, however, and for Scott Free to prove to readers why he is a miracle.