A Poignant, Perfect Issue: Reviewing ‘Redcoat’ #7
by Olly MacNamee
Summary
In ‘Redcoats’ #7 Simon Pure is reunited with Albert Einstein in ’50s New York. But, from the very start, there is something not quite right about this meeting of old friends. A poignantly written powerful issue with the art to match.
Overall
10/10In Redcoat #7 we get another time shift to 1950s New York and the one young one-time sidekick of Simon Pure – Albert Einstein – is now the hirsute elder statesman of Science we all recognise. And while this initial reunion brings a smile to Einstein’s face and some reminiscing of adventures past, the build-up to this scene is tonally very different. Clearly, more a man out of time than ever before and still wearing his 18th century military uniform from which the series derives its name, the lack of dialogue creates a sombre, even sad, tone. Pure seems down on his luck which is sad enough but why visit Einstein now, after all these years? What is being withheld from the reader, you may wonder. This sense of tragic mystery is only deepened in the conversation the two friends have in the hospital where we find Albert Einstein residing.
This issue is a conclusion of sorts to the adventures Simon and young Albert shared, and it is a beautiful issue to read and admire artistically. There are no pre-requisite superheroic action set pieces but rather a conversation between two people, two friends, who have shared so much together, so long ago. If you have been following this series, this one will hurt. It’s beautifully paced, masterfully written by Geoff Johns and just a wonderful, emotive standalone issue. His canny knack to know when to hold back on dialogue and let the art do all the talking sets this issue up perfectly for the bitter-sweet tragic story that unfolds. A story made all the emotively impactful thanks to artist Bryan Hitch who carves the necessary emotive impact into each and every face and into each and every panel.
I always did find Redcoat to be the most bizarre of the Ghost Machine titles when they were announced. It’s what drew me to it initially. But, minus the odd mis-step, this has been a highly enjoyable series that has spanned the centuries in but a handful of issues. Why comes next is anyone;’s guess. Will we get another time shift next issue? And if so, will it be forwards in time, or another adventure set in past, as suggested by the promo shot for Redcoats #8. Either way, after this strong issue, I’m sold and ready for the next chapter in the story of the immortal Redcoat.
Redcoat #7 is out now from Ghost Machine/Image Comics.