REVIEW: ‘Far Sector,’ Issue #8

Far Sector #8 is published by DC Comics under its Young Animal imprint,  written by N.K. Jemisin, art by Jamal Campbell and letters by Deron Bennett. Having chased down the @At responsible for Councilor Averrup’s death, Lantern Mullein and her assistant spring into action. And even if it’s just cyber space, the stakes are as high as they can be. But even if she can bring these assassins down, will they be able to lead her to the culprit pulling the strings?

The essence of drama is conflict. To see whether or not the hero can overcome the challenges before them is one of the greatest motivations for reading heroic tales. And the only thing more nerve wracking than a big external threat to a hero, is a big internal one.

External threats are exciting and cool, as the heroes faces off with the villains for supremacy. But internal conflicts are much more interesting to me. Why, you may ask? Because we always know that, in the end, the hero will conquer the villain. They save the day. But the demon within. That’s not always so sure. Heroes slip up sometimes. They give into darker inclinations that might speed along the process of catching the bad guys. Though all such short cuts come with a price…

Amidst the exciting battle and dramatic confrontations of Far Sector #8 we see Lantern Mullein struggle with herself. Once her query has been captured she needs them to talk. And the threat to use persuasive measures that are frowned upon by most good people are tossed around. Given the way Jemisin writes this moment, and Campbell illustrates it, I’m not confident she’s bluffing. In this moment she talks about her past, and the presence of such techniques within it. She struggles to remain the hero we know she wants to be.

Once the perps are apprehended, it’s off to speak to the council again. Just as every time before Far Sector #8 this is a frustrating affair to say the least for the Lantern. She sees scapegoating, misdirection and politicians looking to point the finger at whatever source is most convenient for them. Even Mullein herself.

With the death of one of the few people in the City Enduring she actually liked still weighing heavily on her, Mullein is in no mood to deal with politicians. This leads to a powerful end to her participation in the conversation. Why these people continue to think ticking her off is a good idea is beyond me.

While I have loved Campbell’s art throughout the series, Far Sector #8 may prove to be his best issue yet. His designs, and stylization for the battle in the net that opens the story are absolutely amazing. It is all unique, while never getting so crazy as to confuse the reader.

While the action sequence is delivered superbly, the more emotional moments manage to steal the show from them. Campbell has really mastered Mullein at this junction. Seeing him display her frustration and anger throughout this issue is captivating. He delivers each moment with every iota of power I’ve come to expect from the newest Lantern.

All of Campbell’s excellent line work is further augmented by his sublime use of color. Far Sector #8 is striking in it’s colors. They make every panel a true feast for the eyes. Smoothing the art one moment, and lending even more power than the lines themselves create to in the next.

Lastly, we have Bennett’s letter work. The story, through Bennett’s skillful performance, never fails to come through clearly, and in a manner which is easy to follow.

When all is said and done, Far Sector #8 continues to deliver a magnificent story. It both resolves the previous issues cliffhanger and setups up the next story’s plot. All this while delivering all the power and emotion you could ask from a powerful lead character. With only four issues left to go, this story has me itching to enter the final leg of the journey.

Far Sector #8 is available October 6th wherever comics are sold.