The cover of Bullet Gal #11 by Andrez Bergen (Iffy Commix), features a lovely woman in a carnival mask, an appropriate image considering how Bullet Gal’s outward identity shifts constantly as that obscure-object- of-desire/ danger/ justice (a la the lead character in a Bunuel film) adapts to situations and circumstances outside her control. This installment of Bullet Gal contains witty banter between Mitzi (Bullet Gal) and her mentor Lee, whose identity shifts often as well. The conversation is hard-boiled and existential as Mitzi and Lee discuss the reality (also ever-shifting) of Heropa, for although its look is pre-mid-century modern with vintage black terreplanes cruising the urban landscape, it’s decidedly post-modern and beyond plot-wise as Lee explains the imminent “re-setting” of the current reality and the consequences that will have on all concerned—including Mitzi. Will she be able to fly? Lee contends that she won’t. It’s a cardinal rule. But we’ll see.

Though Mitzi’s look changes often, she’s ever rock-solid and true. She has her occasional moment of fear, but never lets those moments get in the way of hard-charging, gun-slinging action. No matter what version of reality she has to deal with, she’s always in the moment, fully engaged and aware, dual polished nickel pistols at the ready. She’s matter-of-fact in the best possible way and just because she’s ruled by her head and not her heart doesn’t mean she doesn’t have heart, soul, and courage aplenty, because she does. She also has a wicked sense of humor, even having being shot and “held together by painkillers.”
That’s what gives her super-hero status in this universe, flying ability or lack thereof notwithstanding. It isn’t Mitzi’s unreal qualities that elevate her to the status of super-hero, it’s the all too real action-oriented Mitzi that makes her a potential role model for women-who-get-things-done. She takes on the toughest of gangsters and meanest of their French assassin girlfriends with equal “what else ya got?” resolution. When Lee shows her a picture of Brigit, the femme fatale extraordinaire who’s out to kill her, Mitzi says: “She’s pretty.” Mitzi isn’t threatened by Brigit’s looks, weaponry, nor connections. She just acknowledges Brigit’s beauty and moves on. She may have to kill Brigit someday; but all the same, Brigit is pretty. When and if Mitzi kills her will be determined only by necessity. Mitzi does what has to be done, that’s all.

In this penultimate episode of Bullet Gal, Mitzi prepares to step into her destiny in the new Heropa. Whatever happens, she’s ready. Mitzi travels lightly, weighed down by little else than that impressive set of pistols left to her by her late father. She’s not afraid of change and calls things by their real name. Mitzi stands at the crossroads of the present and the future, at home in the former and looking toward the latter with curiosity and a sense of adventure tinted in shades of deepest noir.

With Bullet Gal, Bergen takes us on a wild ride through a world populated with gangsters, dopplegangers, a woman who fights for justice and a woman who wouldn’t hesitate to stab justice in the throat with a switchblade. It’s gangster/ noir laced with sci-fi in an all-too-real yet digitized ethereal universe. And it’s about to all be re-set!

Savor Bullet Gal #11 and visit the present version of Heropa while you can; there’s only one more to go!

Story: Andrez Bergen Art: Andrez Bergen
Story: 9.8 Art: 10 Overall: 10 Recommendation: Buy

The creator/ publisher provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review.