Bliss #6 Review

by Nick Devonald on April 06, 2021

Writer: Sean Lewis
Artist: Caitlin Yarsky
Colours: Ari Pluchinsky

It felt like the first story arc of Bliss was setting the story up for the climatic battle against Lethe, which would be the focus of the second arc, but as this issue shows us there are still huge parts of Benton and Perry’s story which are unknown to the reader. This issue takes us back into a big event which really shaped both of their lives, and the relationship between them. It’s yet another twist in the story, one that readers won’t see coming, and is completely horrifying. It's the sign of a talented writer that readers are able to sympathise with both main characters, who both blame themselves for what's happened.. A little bit of foreshadowing at the start of the issue means that when events reach the climax there is an inevitability to the turn of events which makes it all the more appalling for readers.

There is so much to like about this series as a whole. Sean Lewis has really delved deep into exploring the relationship between father and son. It has, at times, been surprisingly touching and emotional. The story has been fantastic but it’s the themes which will linger in the readers mind long after the comic has been put down. The end of the issue takes a really good look at the duality of actions, and relationships. Depending on your frame of reference the same thing can be viewed with drastically opposing perspectives. It’s clever, well done, and incredibly effective storytelling. It also goes a long way to both explaining and exploring the relationship in its current form between Benton and Perry.

Caitlin Yarsky’s art has been stunning throughout the series. She makes it look easy to contrast the more fantastical parts of the story, the Gods, and their mythology, with a town that has a real world vibe to it. Each of the characters has a very distinctive and unique look, no matter how big or small a part they play. It goes a long way to making this feel like a world populated with real people who extend far beyond our cast of characters. Most communication occurs through body language rather than words, and Yarsky understands this and it’s clear how much time and effort has gone into showing the readers how the characters are feeling. Lewis and Yarsky make an excellent team. While Lewis puts the words on the page it’s Yarsky that shows us how the characters are feeling and conveys so much of the story through their body language and facial expressions.

This is one of the stories that is uniquely suited to comics, it explores some excellent themes around love and relationships, particularly between a father and son, at the same time it tells an incredible story that readers will find themselves invested in. As the story shows its nearly impossibly to predict where it will go, and there are twists and turns at every corner. The fantastic art is the icing on top of the cake. Don’t let this comic miss you, it’s one of the best on the market.

Our Score:

9/10

A Look Inside