With the presidential election looming close, and Reese even closer to the truth of the corruption at the heart of America, she must struggle to separate her friends from her enemies before it’s too late. Lines are drawn and sides are being taken. And there’s no backing out for Reese now that she has blood on her hands.

Writer Max Bemis has put together an interesting tale with Evil Empire, looking at how a society can slowly be corrupted, using the American political system as his muse. The first two issues to me were fantastic, I work in politics, so to say a series was written for me… well this one seems to be.

In this third issue though, there’s a moment where for me it really clicks, going from political stereotypes and instead diving into a truth about many of the politicians I know, and many who work in politics. To reveal that truth would be a spoiler, and it’s such a moment, I don’t want to ruin it here, but…. here I go, highlight the text in the space below to see what’s revealed.

Many of those, even those that are some of the most vocal, don’t truly believe in what they say. Politics often gets out of hands from us, embraced by fanatics, which is what Sen. Laramy admits happened to him. Many politicians are just mouth pieces, bought and paid for by some higher authority not believing what they say, which is hinted at here. I personally fight what I think are the right battles, and the correct side, but after more than 14 years for me, politics is a job as much as anything else.

How of the above ties to Senator Laramy, his moment, and what happens, is such a “holy shit” moment, and in a weird way felt cathartic for me, and my life experiences. The issue is such a solid build up to those final pages, this is a comic that pays off and it has an honest truth and bluntness to today’s political landscape and politicians.

Bemis’ great story is brought to life with art by Ransom Getty. This is another case of publisher BOOM! Studios matching up a solid writer and story with a fantastic artist, something they’ve excelled at over the years.

If you want to see how a democratic society can devolved into evil, here you go. This is the story before the empire, and it’s fascinating so far.

Story: Max Bemis Art: Ransom Getty
Story: 9 Art: 8 Overall: 8.75 Recommendation: Buy

BOOM! Studios provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review