REVIEW: ‘Mercy,’ Issue #6

Mercy #6 is published by Image Comics. It comes from the creative team of writer, artist, and colorist Mirka Andolfo. She is assisted by colorists Gianluca Papi, and Francesca Carotenuto and letterer Fabio Amelia. At the end of issue 5, we saw Betsy attack the carriage that was spiriting Hellaine and Gregor away. This issue opens with her brutally attacking Hellaine, very nearly killing her. But though Hellaine submits to her rage, Betsy’s anger is not sated. She takes hold of the carriage holding a, now unconscious, Rory and Gregor.

As she prepares to throw the carriage over a cliff,  Lady Swanson finally relents. She tells Goodwill and Hellaine that if they save Gregor she will sell them her family mine. Though Goodwill is distrustful, the two spring into action. Within moments the two inside the carriage are saved as Betsy falls to the bottom of the cliff. With Swanson’s son saved all seems to be at peace. But, happy endings are rare and there is still more horror to come.

Mercy #6 is a solid finale for the series, though it does move pretty quickly. Andolfo’s script covers more territory in one issue than many series can manage in three.  She wraps up all the plot threads in a very tidy fashion. But my biggest gripe is that a few of the more important parts of the issue felt like they could have used another issue or two to resolve. I like the bittersweet nature of the ending, but there’s just so much in this issue that it literally includes two separate time skips by the time it ends. It’s still a thoroughly enjoyable issue, as is the story overall, but it does feel a little abrupt in its end.

What remains solid, however, is Andolfo, Papi, and Carotenuto’s art. I have read a few comics, if any, that are able to capture beauty while also displaying many-eyed tentacled monstrosities. But somehow that is the first thing that struck me, staring at the title and its two-page spread artwork. The color palettes, the moon-soaked, snow-covered mountains in the background, and the hideous eldritch horror front and center all come together beautifully. Additionally, Amelia’s lettering continues to enhance every panel. From otherworldly shrieks to the cries of a terrified mother. You can almost feel the rasp of the monstrous voices through the word bubbles and fonts. The lettering gives a depth to the art that brings the whole package together.

All-in-all I really enjoyed this series, and Mercy #6 does a fine job of putting a bow on it. Despite a few moments where I felt a little lost, I still came away happy. Even better was the reveal, at the issue’s end, of a sequel series coming next year. For as much as I have enjoyed reviewing this series, you can rest assured that the next will be at the top of my list.

Mercy #6 is available now, wherever comics are sold.