The enigmatic Elijah Snow has one last errand to run. As the Planetary organization sifts through the scientific discoveries withheld by the Four, the Hark Corporation brings them to the world. But one final mission still seems out of reach. Can even the field team bring Ambrose Chase back from the point of certain death?
I went into this book with super-high expectations, all the while knowing that it was highly probable that the book wouldn't live up to the hype, but in this case, I was happy to be wrong. This book wasn't what I expected (indeed, I had kind of forgotten that Dowling was defeated last time) but it was an enjoyable issue nonetheless, giving closure to each of the four main characters, finalizing the respect between the different methods of Snow and Drummer, and finally closing the one remaining open case in the Planetary ledgers. John Cassaday's art is stellar throughout, especially the subtle differences between the various alternate reality Planetary teams, and Ellis delivers a script that is complex without devolving completely into "technojargon as dialogue," a common problem with futuristic/super-sciency storytelling. This issue's only real weakness is that it gives a reader almost no guideposts to the story, relying that we've all read the previous 26 issues (which, given that thi Read Full Review
After all the setbacks and losses, all the misery that the Four fomented in their greed, the good guys are finally whole and fully functional again--and they're not planning to be nice about it. Read Full Review
I'm not sure it would make a lot of sense to anyone who hadn't read any of the previous issues, but to fans, it's a great wrap-up to an outstanding series that should enjoy a long life in collected form. Read Full Review
Oh, and did I forget to mention this is one gorgeous comic, and John Cassaday can draw a breathtaking splash page like none other? Right, that much goes without saying. Read Full Review
Mind you, I seriously dig the crazy-ass ideas; just the mention of terms like Quantum Foam and Description-theory engine kicks the gee-wiz module inside my brain into overdrive. But there is a big difference between reading Planetary and a paper on black hole thermodynamics, and I'm not just talking about the math. The book wouldn't work if you didn't care about the characters. When Snow states that he's activating the time machine with intent, the intent to save his friend, is where Planetary draws from those deep set heroic roots. Crazy-ass ideas are in the service of excellent story telling. I won't say what happens when the time machine switch is thrown wither Ambrose is rescued or time collapses all I'll say is that the end of this wonderful series is deeply satisfying. I'm sad to see the book end but just like Elijah Snow, there was no compromise. Now if Ellis could get around to doing more of Fell. Read Full Review
Reading this issue has been a bittersweet experience. I'm so happy I got to enjoy one more Planetary story, but I can't help but feel disappointed the story is now over. To Ellis, Cassady, and Martin I can only say thank you for reigniting my love of comics and giving all of us such fantastic stories. Well done. Read Full Review
This final issue acts as an epilogue, part finale, part reunion show, one last piece of unfinished business, one last chance to see these characters interact, and for the fantastic team of Ellis, Cassaday, and Martin to collaborate. In some ways, it's superfluous, just an issue for the fans, but what's wrong with that? A story as big and sweeping as "Planetary" deserves one last send-off, 28 pages of story wrapped in the beautiful fold-out cover by Cassaday and Martin that manages to work in the entire series in its own way. I, for one, cannot wait to finally reread the entire series -" so if DC could hurry up with that second Absolute volume, I would appreciate it. Read Full Review
As for John Cassaday's work, it is excellent--but nothing here explains the extensive delay of three years between issues. Taking a step back, the gap between issues has been inexcusable for a professional artist in a field where others would kill for the opportunities he's had. Having editorialized on that score it's just nice to finally have the whole thing completed. Read Full Review
Not that a four-bullet score is anything to be disappointed with. It's a very good story; it's just not the perfect one it was so close to being. Read Full Review
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