It’s a tough book, but the topic is also pretty tough. Frank Miller is once again at his best covering the conflict that man brings about, and the unintended consequences from acts of violence that move people in surprising ways. The story for Holy Terror is pure chaos that only comes about because of inexplicable actions that man does to one another (all in the name of the divine – in this case) and the repercussions that result. You’re floundering in the story’s emotions because it is depicting an event that can only make you feel that way. And while Frank calls it propaganda against the 9/11 attacks, it is also a powerful nod to how comics can illuminate a scenario through graphic characterization that brings it in your face. Subtle in conversation while still being excruciating in visual action. This is a story about America, and yet every country has similar ones because humans pretty much are the same in general instincts.
Here’s a review by Forbidden Planet UK, if you’re curious to find out more. But I can attest to the unique art that only Frank can accomplish. Beauty found in the grotesque, and hope found in the cinders of destruction. Life as we know it.
There is no happy ending in the common sense, because it captures a few moments in time. And time continue to tick after the last scene of this story. No one knows what tomorrow will bring. But we can predict the future by our current actions. Food for thought…
