Giving Readers A Breather: Reviewing ‘If Destruction Be Our Lot’ #5
by Tom Smithyman
Overview
This uncharacteristically ho-hum issue kicks off a new story arc. It’s not bad, but it’s not quite at the level that we expect from such a great series. The illustrations of robot Abe Lincoln and his travails are the high point.
Overall
8/10Be careful what you wish for — even if you’re Abe Lincoln.
Poor ol’ Abe learns that the hard way in the latest issue of If Destruction Be Our Lot. This excellent series spins up its second story arc with the robot version of the 16th president again in search of something.
In his world, written by Matthew and Mark Elijah Rosenberg, humans are long gone — though we don’t know what happened to the species. But Abe keeps encountering a young human, which nearly got him dismantled and reprogrammed. But still, he persisted and chased after the mysterious figure. Now he’s in a strange sandy area reliving parts of his life, thanks to some machine entity.
As is often the case when starting a new arc, it takes a while for the story to get back on track. In fact, this entire issue feels like an extended setup for a would-be setup on the last page or two. Think of it as more of a palate cleanser than the main course. Hopefully the Rosenbergs will serve that up in the next chapter.
Meanwhile, artist Andy MacDonald gives us plenty to gawk at here. His Abe has always been spot on, even as a robot. Additionally, with this issue MacDonald presents an Abe that is low on power and filled with sand. Both lead to some funny and clever illustrations. And MacDonald’s massive machine that sends Abe into painful flashbacks — including getting shot at Ford’s Theatre — are highlights of the issue.
Were willing to give a great series like this a pass for an issue or so, while it builds its story back up. We owe Abe that much, at least.
If Destruction Be Our Lot #5 — written by Matthew and Mark Elijah Rosenberg, illustrated Andy MacDonald, colored by Francesco Segala, and lettered by Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou — is now available in comic book stores and on digital platforms from Image Comics.
