Nameless (#6)

• Writer: Grant Morrison
• Artist: Chris Burnham
• Colorist: Nathan Fairbairn
• Published by: Image
• Pages: 29, Publish Date: December 23, 2015
• Notes: Monthly series

Synopsis: 

“The end has come for Nameless and the crew of the White Valiant. Imprisoned within the labyrinthine mind of a monstrous alien lifeform, there can be no escape, no exit, and no hope. But who is the Veiled Lady and what part will she play in Earth’s salvation—or its damnation?

Personal Thoughts (minor spoilers):

I engage at the strange torment within this series, and wonder what goes through Grant Morrison’s mind. I was almost hoping for some insane meta reveal much like that in his past work in Animal Man. Surprise, the veiled woman is Grant Morrison.

Well, that is ridiculous. But then again, just how much of this fiction can I take seriously? There is so much horror, with little glimmers of hope, snuffed out by the next issue. I think of that poor woman, ordered to stay put while her comrades remain maimed. So much optimism, for just a few panels leading to the terrible pathos.

Which brings me back to the question of this book. What is human? Who is the Nameless, other than a puppeted soul guided by cruel destiny? I feel as though he is a part of the reader, feeling some sort of humanity within himself, yet well aware of the acts of brutality somewhat engaged in. It’s hard to tell just what is a dream now, other than to sort out this madness through a mystery woman and her fortune-telling skills. Our protagonist, is slowly becoming less of a victim as he finds his place among the stacked deck.

The issue is the loss of hope in being the puppet. But in that at least, we get some great explanation the going on of it all. So it seems there was some otherworldly war that ended life on Mars, and the losing side decided to upon speicial suicide, almost. A piece left, and a sort of grand new design is in the works with our “hero’ Mr. Nameless to play some pivotal role. The question becomes what is reality, as perhaps this could all just be a war of bad dreams. I honestly need to read this again from the beginning, perhaps after a few more issues (such that I often need to do with Grant Morrison’s work).

No matter the condition, there is terror in what remains of our fears. The worst of this series in the true horror in how helpless the human condition is. The unknown and fear of such is just the icing on this cake.  There is some guidance in this apocalypse for a plan or prophecy of sorts to perhaps kill the infection. I wonder what would be left, and the trauma itself which I think would be a great story.  But for now, I just want to see where all of it goes; to see completion to this horrific beautiful puzzle.

Towards the end, a curious turn of events where the Moon itself is now transformed after a somewhat prophetic impact, leading to the next step for the veiled woman to continue whatever her plan. I see a long due turning point to which I hope for a little less horror, and more of a current story with more obscure mythical references.

Chris Burnham’s art continues with magnificence and sophistication. His attention to details from the smallest dimple to the right amount of shading and light makes each page a mood-setter. His creature designs are taking on a sense of style, of which I think he enjoys in penciling. His creative placement of panels, to put order to the chaos for us readers feels like a service to us readers.

I also see why Nathan Fairbairn gets cover credit, as his colors are magnificent in choice, rich in texture; especially the reds and blues. his collaborations with Burnham in presenting the sequential visuals remains perfect.

Overall, an interesting issue that ups the ante, to whatever that is. I look forward to whatever next revealed from Grant Morrison’s deck, though I may not like it.

– Orion T