REVIEW: ‘Far Sector,’ Issue #10

Far Sector #10 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 discovered a meme sweatshop exploiting those hooked on Switchoff, Lantern Mullein takes action to shut down the location. The blowback, however, may be more than you would expect. And in the midst of all this, the day has finally come for the historic referendum on the emotion exploit.

Those familiar with the turnaround time for a comic book, from the story’s writing to art to lettering and finally to print, know that it generally takes months for a single issue to come together. That’s why, when a story hits the shelves that feels like a direct call-out of recent real-world events, it’s pretty startling. Almost like eerie precognition was implemented in the creation of the issue. There is definitely some of that vibe in Far Sector #10.

The story opens up with Mullein continuing her investigation of the sweatshop that Marth sent her to check out. While infiltrating the building undercover, Mullein witnesses the abuse of one of the workers and the individual being forced to take Switchoff while infiltrating the building undercover. Seeing these acts of abuse causes Mullein to go off, revealing her full Green Lantern abilities, and she begins to tear the place apart.

From here, the story jumps ahead to Mullein being in police custody on numerous charges of assault and destruction of property. Mullein’s confrontation with police chief Syz over her actions and the police’s lack of action is heated, to say the least. The police force’s political constraints will feel all too familiar to real-world current events as justice and political expediency collide.

While the police can’t forcibly hold Mullein, she’s a Green Lantern after all; she agrees to stay in custody if she can get a meeting with someone. This request is granted, and a sizable amount of Far Sector’s larger plot comes to the foreground through this conversation. I won’t give any spoilers, but it’s a lot. And while these reveals are coming, Mullein gets word that the referendum is falling apart.

It is at this moment that Far Sector #10 becomes almost a little too real. As Mullein’s assistant reaches her on comms, telling her that large quantities of voting stations, particularly those most accessible to the poor and disenfranchised, have gone offline. This has the dual effect of creating monstrously long lines at some polling stations while removing the possibility for some to cast their votes altogether. With all the struggles of the most recent American elections still ringing in my metaphorical ears, this moment was intense in a way I didn’t expect.

This rollercoaster of a story is augmented as always by Campbell’s brilliant art. From Mullein’s opening rampage to the referendum’s breakdown, Campbell’s art captures all the anger, frustration, and pain throughout the issue. Coupled with the gorgeous color palette that has come to encompass my vision of the City Enduring and you have another first-rate artistic performance.

Wrapping up the presentation is Bennett’s quality work on letters. Everything is laid out clearly for the reader to follow, and the story’s emotion is given a good representation through the lettering’s presentation.

When it is all brought together, Far Sector #10 delivers an emotional story that sets the coming issues up for the narrative’s final phase. With the last panel, the endgame takes form, and the stage is set. It’s been a long, emotional run, and I cannot wait to see what Mullein does next. With each issue, this character climbs higher in my list of favorite Green Lanterns. And it looks like the City Enduring is gonna need some more of this green lantern’s light.

Far Sector #10  is available February 2nd, wherever comics are sold.