If you’re a listener of our Weekly Pulls podcast, you probably know that I’ve had a weird relationship with Napalm Lullaby. Some issues the book seems fairly straight forward, other times it’s introducing what seems like an entirely new world, other times it’s just flat out confusing. Because it’s written by Rick Remender, I’ve stuck with it. In Remender I trust.
The last few issues of Napalm Lullaby have been confusing. This issue started off with a flashback and references to a very popular franchise. I thought I knew where the book was heading, but I had no idea. I applaud Remender and the team, because with the comic book industry the way it is, you have to hook readers fast. There are so many titles to choose from that if you aren’t hooking the reader very quickly you’ll lose them. So a lot of books will front load their stories to not bore potential readers, only to run out of gas in later issues. This story has been told in a unique way with todays landscape, and that takes some courage. I’m sure it doesn’t hurt that Remender has a fanbase (like me) willing to wait it out.
This book is bonkers. That’s the best way I can describe it. It’s exploring so many different themes and ideas that I’m hooked. The story is mind bending but in the best ways. It’s bending time, reality, dreams, consciousness and more in a narrative that is slowly coming together without being too frustrating. Well… I mean I do get frustrated at times with this book, but patience is paying off in big ways. There are so many small details that this book is begging to be re-read and re-examined. I’m sure there are a ton of things I’ve missed.
Do I have this story figured out? Of course not. I have no idea what’s going to happen next, and that’s what makes it great. Having read this book since #1, I’ve never been more excited to see where it goes from here. It’s too bad more creators don’t get the rope to tell stories like this before books are cancelled. If you haven’t read Napalm Lullaby or stopped reading, jump back in and enjoy. You won’t get all the answers, but you’ll have your mind challenged.
