Pariah #3
-
The good
The most interesting protagonist in the series, the most gripping and suspenseful story and really good action. Some backstory is finally given regarding the vitros
-
The bad
Doesn't clarify how Hal's parents made him and how it was known he was a vitro since they were off the grid apparently.
-
The ugly
- Total score
Pariah #3 follows the story of Hal Roberts, the only vitro left on Earth, as he seeks to implement his part of the vitros plans to get back at those who sent them to live on a deathtrap in space. This issue opens up 5 months prior to the vitros being rounded up and sent to live in space, and shows how Hal’s parents never trusted the federal government. They instilled in him from the beginning what he describes as “paranoia” and the view it’s a survival instinct through life and history lessons. So when the government came to take him away due to him being a vitro, he was already prepared and was able to escape despite his parents being taken into custody. But he also knew he wouldn’t be able to survive on the run for long so he created a new identity using his inimitable computer skills and killed off his former identity. Yet he still was urged to reach out to the vitros on the space station despite his safety being assured, and after proving his identity as one he became their secret weapon. Can Hal succeed in his role as part of the vitros’ plan at the beginning of this “war” or will he only succeed at exposing his true identity and being put on the radar of the very agencies that thought him to be dead?
SUMMARY
Pariah #3 is EASILY the best issue in the series and I’m still in awe at how it improved so drastically from one issue to the next making the overall story very exciting. With the series propensity to change the narrative point of view each issue I can’t say that it’s turned a corner, especially considering it’s returning to the space station where it’s had its share of problems. But I can say I enjoyed this issue immensely and I hope the story is as provocative and exciting going forward. I’ve never recommended an issue in a series without recommending the series before but this is an excellent single issue to read.
Release Date: 4/30/14
Writer: Aron Warner, Philip Gelatt
Artist: Brett Weldele
1 comment
Pingback: Pariah #8 Review Roundup - Project iRadio