The thing about Toyo Harada is that he continually attempts to understand who he is. His willingness to learn is part of what makes him dangerous. The other is applying what he finds out. Harada is perpetually evolving and the Valiant universe has a right to be afraid. But how can you protect yourself from a man who knows he has the abilities of a god?
The flashback narrative that writer Joshua Dysart uses in issue three of ‘The Life and Death of Toyo Harada’ helps the reader see how this powerful man has accumulated knowledge that helps him comprehend his psiot abilities. Arguably the world’s first psiot, Harada’s powers were activated by the events of Hiroshima. From there he has an agenda to bring those like him together to create a world order where he would be ruler. It hasn’t always worked. In the comic-book miniseries ‘Secret Weapons‘ it details what Harada rejected, psiots whose abilities, in his eyes did not matter. His mentee and former protégé Amanda McKee, AKA Livewire took them and attempted to protect them. Though it failed spectacularly, McKee shows something that Harada lacks – compassion. In his attempt to understand his powers, Harada ignores or forgets his humanity. Maybe it’s because of how becoming a psiot comes along with trauma and pain. Still, Dysart is building on a character known only for the way he amasses control. Harada is complicated. We see that in the beginning of this issue where Harada meets with Einstein. Of course this being the Valiant universe both men meet as Einstein crosses over to death.
This leads to the best thing about comics, the visual. Cafu and his team’s artwork from the cover further reveals Harada’s complexity. From a fiery womb to the aged, weather-beaten man shows the intense focus on a person determined to achieve his goals. Each line on Harada’s face looks hard-earned. Then there’s Angela, an entity who is trying to break free from Harada’s and stops believing in his great plan. Her look, dressing in all white, with soulless spaces for eyes reveals what cannot be conveyed by words alone.
Further into this story, from a young boy in 1955 discussing how the universe works to 70 years in his present, Harada knows about the inevitable. But he still fights for his dream. Ironically, this means relinquishing control. Harada knows what Angela is doing and he could theoretically stop it, but then we are taken back again to his time with Einstein and the answer becomes clear – Harada is riding the light, seeing where it takes him. More importantly, Harada doesn’t stave off what happens, instead he applies the concept of energy and matter in a way that will eliminate his enemies.
Yes, Toyo Harada is complicated. His power and intellect make him a threat, but his inability to understand what it means to be human is what makes for great storytelling. You just don’t know what he’s going to do next. It’s a thrill to read and perhaps forces us to take a look at ourselves. How far would you go to know yourself?
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