I’ve been praising this series and though it took a while to get here, the final issue of the first volume, Critical Millennium #4 shows off so much of what I’ve loved.  A sci-fi series by Drew Gaska, Critical Millennium chronicles the journey of Thomm as he leads a crew into space to escape a doomed Earth.  Gaska does what sci-fi does best, acts as a parable about modern times.  Not only do you have a dysfunctional world, but there’s also commentary on racism, today’s entertainment, all thrown together with political intrigue.

The dramatic conclusion to the first miniseries! The gravitic drive vessel Black Rabbit is on the pad for its earthborn launch to new worlds! Prime Minister Blacklytter bans public transmission of the lift off! The Wraith infiltrates the launch bay with the intent of hijacking the starship! Young John Adams makes a stand for his beliefs, and pays the ultimate price! Disaster strikes New Bombay, heralding the end of Hope itself! Angel Rei stares long and hard into a bottle of sleeping pills! Countess Watwani races to stop her husband from committing genocide! All this, and Coney, Eryc and Pandita find their flight out-system blocked by a police force!

As all points converge, will Thomm finally realize his grandparents’ dream of a new beginning for mankind, and a future amongst the stars?

Everything is here and though, the first issue tells you whether Thomm has lift-off, there was still more than enough to keep me on the edge of my seat to see what comes next.  Also, so much is revealed as far as the motivation of the Ghosts, and let me tell you, who has been pulling their strings isn’t what you’d expect.

There’s an amazing mix of humor (some of which made me pause and say “holy shit”) and action and all together it’s done in the finest tradition of science fiction.  The art by Daniel Dussault is amazing as well, as I’d expect.  His style if made for the digital medium, and both printed and digital jump out at you.  The details this man can do is amazing.

If you haven’t picked up the first three issues, the trade version of it will be out soon, and I’ll already put that as a buy.  There’s a reason this comic is consistently a Pick of the Week and here’s hoping we won’t have to wait too long for the next volume.

Story: 9.5 Art: 10 Overall: 9.75 Recommendation: Buy

Story: Drew Gaska Art: Daniel Dussault

Publisher: Archaia Cost: $3.95 Release Date: August 24

Archaia provided Graphic Policy with an advance copy of this issue for FREE for review.