It’s all come down to this. The future of the known universe now rests in the paws of a lone astral projecting kitty cat. Can Lou rise to the challenge and save everyone? Your Major Spoilers review of Strayed #5 from Dark Horse Comics awaits!

STRAYED #5 (OF 5)

Writer: Carlos Giffoni
Artist: Juan Doe
Colorist: Juan Doe
Letterer: Mat Krotzer
Editor: Chas! Pangburn
Publisher: Dark Horse Comics
Cover Price: $3.99
Release Date: December 17th, 2019

Previously in Strayed: Things have not gone well for Lou the astral projecting cat. He has learned that he has been instrumental in allowing a genocidal and fascist regime to spread across the galaxy and subjecting countless races.  On top of that, his health is failing due to his powers. Also, when his owner Kiara attempts to alert the general population to the truth of their government, she’s shot down by Major Robert Williams, which sent Lou into a rage.

A Kitty Will Rise Up

Strayed #5 begins with Lou projecting himself into Major Robert Williams’ mind. From there he is able to spread himself across the galaxy, connecting living creatures as he goes.  He eventually reaches Premier Feely, who’s been behind all the horrible deeds. Lou then reveals what Feely has done and the people turn on him.  Major Robert Williams turns his gun on himself, and Lou curls up to Kiara and joins her in a more peaceful place.

A Bold Way To Conclude The Series

Strayed #5 is not a normal comic book. It doesn’t conclude the series using a normal series of events. Instead everything in this issue plays out wordlessly, save for an overarching musing on the nature of life and love from (possibly) Lou.  In place of normal dialog, we get a book full of abstract and surreal art that hints, implies, and suggests what is going on. The effect achieved here is that of a visual representation of an inner monologue, and it works surprisingly well.  After sifting through the complex storytelling techniques, there is an ending here that isn’t really surprising, but it is satisfying.

A Showcase

The art takes the center stage in Strayed #5 not just in quality, but as the major storytelling medium. The best artistic moments in this series have been when Lou astral projects and since this whole issue is all astral projection there’s no shortage of gorgeous art.  This issue goes from 2001: A Space Odyssey style splashes of psychedelic colors, to mandala inspired page layouts, to a showcase of all the character design that has filled this series. It really is a beautiful book that utilizes the art in a brilliant way that just isn’t seen often in comic books.

The Bottom A Beautiful Ending To An Okay Series

Strayed has been an uneven series that sometimes didn’t know if it wanted to be a space opera or a small scale story about the importance of connection and love. But, it certainly saved it’s best issue for last. If you’ve followed the series or if you’re just familiar with it, you owe it to yourself to check out Strayed #5.  4.5 out of 5

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Strayed #5

90%

90%

Powerful

Strayed #5 is a beautiful book that brings the series to a satisfying conclusion. It even accomplishes something that only the best finales do: It makes up for some of the shortcomings of its previous chapters.

• Writing

  8
• Art

  9
• Coloring

  10
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