REVIEW: ‘Seven To Eternity,’ Issue #14

It has been a hot minute since we’ve seen a new issue of Seven To Eternity grace the shelves. Since issue #13’s release in early 2019, it’s been a long wait to see Adam and The Mud King’s final journey to the Springs of Zhal. Even though the series is finally back with Seven To Eternity #14, it’s nevertheless a bitter-sweet return because we’re so close to the end. Seven To Eternity #14 is written by Rick Remender, drawn by Jerome Opeña, colored by Matt Hollingsworth, lettered by Rus Wooton, and published by Giant Generator in collaboration with Image Comics.

In Seven To Eternity #14, The Mud King, Garils Sulm, and Adam Osidis are nearing the location of the Springs of Zhal which will heal Adam’s terminal illness. Garils reveals the origins of the Springs and the fact that to find it, a sacrifice is needed. But they’ve sacrificed so many things so far, what’s one more? Adam has to face the fact that he isn’t the only person seeking out the magic that is the Springs; his hope and fight to ward off mortality isn’t unique. And, ultimately, Adam will have to confront his entire reason for living before he can enter the Springs.

Given the length of time between issues 13 and 14, there’s a great summary of the story at the beginning of the issue. Personally, I’d advise just rereading all the past issues before tackling this one, but if you choose to forgo this, the concise summary should be adequate.

This issue feels like no time has passed at all since issue 13 released almost two years ago. Remender jumps right back into the story without hesitation. From the font to the speech bubbles and even to the parchment paper texture backing Adam’s journal entry, the aesthetic consistencies between this issue and the past issues really makes it feel like no time has passed since the last time we’ve seen this magical world.

What really makes Seven To Eternity stand out is the obvious amount of love and thought put into these characters, producing qualities that not only make them unique but also deep. From their virtues to their flaws, Remender’s characterization has always been excellent and our two main characters continue to be consistent even 14 issues later. But what Remender does best is to remind us through their characters that our world views are often subjective. There are few instances where characters are either evil or good; there are few circumstances where there is a right or wrong choice. Our two main characters, Adam and Garils, come from very different backgrounds and their ideals often clash. But this clash only serves to remind readers that truth is often subjective so even the evilest of characters can be as human as you and I.

The Land of Zhal first captured my attention back in issue one because of its fantastical and novel setting. And yet, 14 issues in, Zhal still manages to be enrapturing. The art is gorgeous, and with the diverse palette of colors that flit between vibrancy and muteness, the Land of Zhal comes to life. We’ve seen all manner of beasts throughout these issues and Seven To Eternity #14 is no different. In an already captivating world, the designs of the fauna, the flora, and even the various peoples between the covers of this issue are magical. There has been so much detail added to each and every panel that even the backgrounds can rarely be overlooked.

It feels wonderful to get back into this series, but it’s also bittersweet because we know it’s going to end soon. But even a bittersweet ending is better than none at all. As has been the case since issue one, Seven To Eternity #14 is gorgeous. The characters have so much depth to them and Adam and Garils continue to be a great juxtaposition.

Seven To Eternity #14 is available now wherever comics are sold.