Mikey Mazzagatti’s story comes to an end with the latest issue of A.C. Medina and Kevin Shah’s Elasticator. The previous chapters chronicled the rise of Brother V and his drug empire–and the life-changing effects they had on Mikey.

Despite its limited run, Elasticator has pulled off a thought-provoking story over the course of six issues. Superheroes have always been a political entity, and by focusing on some of the people who were most affected by the 2008 recession. Elasticator takes the reaction to the recession to some improbable extremes (superpower-giving drugs, for example), but all events are underscored by a focus on humanity.

Issue six jumps right into the fray. The fight for Brooklyn’s fate was set up throughout the previous issues, and Medina and Shah waste no time in diving into the conflict. As with previous issues, Elasticator distances itself from other superhero comics by pausing on those affected by the events as they unfold.

The pacing of the story has always been quick, but moments where residents of an apartment building band together to save a small child slow the frenetic pace just enough that the story isn’t a wild rush to the finish. The timing of Elasticator has always been narratively jumpy, but the story is bookended by scenes that mirror the introductory issue, bringing everything full circle.

The effect is a cool storytelling trick. Mikey has visibly and emotionally changed between his first appearance and his last even though very little time has passed while he told his story. The ending is complex and somewhat unexpected. Without getting too spoilery, the ending is ambiguous and multifaceted, forcing readers not just to think about the outcomes, but how events influence people in different ways.

Shah’s art and Ross A. Campbell’s coloring are, as they have been, perfectly geared to the story at hand. The fights have dramatic flair (pages 6-8 are tons of fun to read) but the quiet moments don’t lose any of the lovely vibrancy present throughout the comic. Shah’s style is expressive and lively, perfect for the tone and pacing of the story.

Elasticator–though not for all audiences–is a fun comic that packs a punch, and with a team that works as well as this one, we can hopefully look forward to future comics.

Story: A.C. Medina Art: Kevin Shah
Story: 9.5 Art: 9.5 Overall: 9.5 Recommendation: Buy

Graphic Policy was provided with a FREE copy for review