BARBARELLA: THE CENTER CANNOT HOLD #5, from Dynamite Comics on 8/9/23, concludes the universe-ending adventure with a desperate plan to stop the Architects from starting a war.
The Details
- Written by: Sarah Hoyt
- Art by: Riccardo Bogani
- Colors by: Werner Sanchez
- Letters by: Carlos M. Mangual
- Cover art by: Derrick Chew (cover A)
- Comic Rating: Teen+
- Cover price: $3.99
- Release date: August 9, 2023
Is It Good?
BARBARELLA: THE CENTER CANNOT HOLD #5 brings Sarah Hoyt’s latest Barbarella arc to a close with a hopeless plan to confront the Architects on their homeworld and stop a universe-ending war before it starts. Hoyt ends the conflict in the most Barbarella-rific way possible, so if you’re a fan of the character and the series, you’re going to get your money’s worth.
When last we left Barbarella and her loving friends, they found out the true nature of the Unnamable, leading to a new perspective on the Architects and the true threat they represent. Now, Barbarella and her friends head to the Architects’ homeworld to prevent war, but an unexpected surprise is waiting when they arrive.
What’s great about this issue? How else would Barbarella stop a war but with an arousing speech about doing what’s right? Sure, you could argue that saving the Universe with a speech that would fit with any episode of Mr. Rogers (look him up, kids) is a bit of a letdown, but that’s not Barbarella’s power. Her strength is her unflappable hope and potential for love (of every kind). Therefore, the ending lacks a wow factor, but to Hoyt’s credit, the ending is consistent with the titular character.
What’s not so great about this issue? There comes a point where Barbarella has an “Aha!” moment that doesn’t make sense as an “Aha!” moment. So an already-soft ending has a layer of confusion on top that makes it even softer. It’s unclear what big revelation Hoyt was going for, but it didn’t translate.
How’s the art? Riccardo Bogani’s art style and exeution is excellent. The character designs and facial acting, particularly from the non-humanoid characters, carry a fair bit of the plot development perfectly. The line work is clean, and Werner Sanchez’s coloring is outstanding.
Keep scrolling for a closer look at the covers, or Click Here to jump right to the story description with some spoilers.
What’s It About?
[SPOILERS AHEAD – Click here if you just want the score without spoilers]
Check out our BARBARELLA: THE CENTER CANNOT HOLD #4 review to find out how Durix was captured and the truth about the Unnamable revealed.
We begin with Barbarella arguing with her crew about the low probability of success of their plan. When the ship arrives in orbit over the Architects’ homeworld, they find the planet deserted. Confused, the crew considers the next steps until Barbarella realizes the best course is to mind-link with Durix.
When their minds connect, Barbarella and Durix see the elders have left their bodies and traveled, via astral projection, to the void separating our universe and the Unnamable’s. There, Barbarella faces down all Architect Elders to explain why their course of action is the wrong one.
We conclude the issue with opened eyes, changed hearts, and a new mission.
Keep scrolling for a closer look at preview images of the internal pages, or Click Here to jump right to the score.
Final Thoughts
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BARBARELLA: THE CENTER CANNOT HOLD #5 brings the latest series to a close with a desperate plan to stop the Architects. The ending is a bit anticlimactic but consistent with Barberalla’s way of doing things, and the art is outstanding.
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