The artwork within issue 16 of ‘Rai’ is at the very least compelling. Each panel weaves a story of Rai in his infancy of being Father’s instrument – both literally and figuratively, and what it means for the people living in 4001 AD in New Japan and on earth. Frame by frame also reveals writer Matt Kindt’s ability to take advantage of the comic book genre by using non-linear storytelling to put the reader in the head of Rai and Father’s enemies simultaneously.
In the pilot episode of ‘Star Trek: Deep Space Nine,’ the protagonist Sisko attempts to explain to an ancient alien race why humanity needs linear time. An epiphany comes about from both sides. For Sisko he realizes that he has been continuously reliving the moment of his wife’s death. And in essence, emotionally froze himself in a fixed point in time. But the ancient’s race realization that humans see linear time as something that cannot be manipulated is what connects this television show to Rai. Rai sees the world through his father’s eyes. It is a myopic view that shows time moving in only one direction – however Father wills it to go. Still, he is only temporarily stuck. You get the sense that he will learn to break free from Father; much in the same way every child breaks away from their parent. Only in this case limbs will be lost.
Also in this issue Kindt utilizes Father’s machinations by making the present and past converge. Essentially Kindt has a myriad of characters represent what Sisko is to the alien race (that time can be manipulated) to force Rai to see the truth. And he does this by having several voices speak at once. Oftentimes in the same panel there are three bubbles. They are discerned by color, the cold austere Father is easily identifiable. At times the others are not. They are kept secret from the reader. And as each voice is revealed you know that Rai is way over his head. You also begin to realize that as a reader you are experiencing what Rai is. Even if you might have read previous issues and know what’s happening, just like Rai the reader is influenced by the writer’s use of time. Thus showing just how Father pulls all the strings in New Japan.
As an advent reader of the Valiant universe you may know how this turns out. But even with foresight you may not be aware of how these characters come to their demise. In this installment the art mingles with the story and propels it forward. The words are important, but it is Cafu’s renderings of the action that shines and gives you clues as to why these characters meet their end. Perhaps that may be even more important than how.
Leave a Reply