Mister Miracle and Big Barda are in a panic. The war with Apokolips isn’t going well. And it’s Barda’s turn to have her past come crashing back into her present as the Female Furies appear on the scene with blood on their minds.

After the shocking ending of the sixth issue, Mister Miracle is back. Writer Tom King slows things down in a weird way with an issue that focuses on the birth of Scott and Barda’s child. And it’s an amazing read filled with humor and heart. What’s it like for two gods to have a kid? Well, this issue answers that as the two are back on Earth to give birth while war rages at home. It’s clear the two have other things on their mind as they debate the issue on names and also get visitors in the form of Female Furies, their enemies.

The detail and focus of the issue is fantastic with King delivering jokes throughout but also having the weight of everything present. It’s ominous and in the background. We know it’s all there but it’s only referenced slightly here and there.

As someone who is expecting their first child in the summer, the issue hit me in the right ways. There’s a monotony about it (at least in our case) where you’re just letting nature do its thing while you wait and try to make the best decisions. And during that you attempt to amuse yourself in ways. Scott plays with his phone and throws out names which are all solid nods to the king, Jack Kirby, Mister Miracle’s creator.

The visit by the Female Furies as well is fantastic. The war rages but here’s two sides coming together over this joy. The details of it all is what makes it great and had me relating and laughing. But, there’s a juxtaposition and the waiting applies to each situations. The looming aspect is both the child coming and the next steps of the war raging.

The art by Mitch Gerads as usual is fantastic. The comic is the usual nine panels which allows each small motion by Barda, Scott, the Furies, to play out and tell the story as well. It’s a combination of writer and creator that are fantastic and an example of the power of the visual aspect of comics in the storytelling experience. The lettering by Clayton Cowles also adds to that emphasizing the emotion or lack thereof at various moments in the issue. That’s especially true with the Furies and their… interesting nature and demeanor.

I’ve loved this series so far even when it has left me scratching my head. This issue though feels like a one-shot you could hand to anyone who has had a kid or expecting and they can relate to it in some way. A fantastic issue overall that had me laughing and is full of quirky heart. For a series that has been so solid, this issue stands out as the best so far.

Story: Tom King Art: Mitch Gerads Cover: Nick Derington Letterer: Clayton Cowles
Editor: Jamie S. Rich Associate Editor: Brittany Holzherr
Story: 10 Art: 10 Overall: 10 Recommendation: Buy

DC Comics provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review