Surrounded by corrupt corporations, armed mercenaries, and authoritative armies of power, Curtis Metcalf decides to end Edwin Alva’s criminal acts of corporate conquest once and for all. Despite his armor in tatters, and losing power by the second, can Curtis survive in his Hardware armor long enough to expose the truth or get buried alongside it?
Thomas wraps up this series in a satisfying manner that holds promise for what is to come for this iteration of Hardware. Much of this series maintained the same kind of energy that the original 90’s series had, focusing on corporate espionage, societal ills, and the consequences that come with power based on one’s status and influence. Readers get to see Hardware execute his plans against Alva and his corrupt influence that has been backed by misguided public opinions, which is as true to life as it is to fiction. Thomas goes to great lengths to ensure the connectivity of the Milestone universe with subtle nods that show that Hardware and the rest of the Milestone universe have more in store for readers down the road.
Denys Cowan delivers kinetic linework and remains consistent like the rest of the work that he has delivered in the previous issues and in his career. And coated with Bill Sienkiewicz’s detailed inks, their art showcases exactly why they are who they are after all these years within the industry. Coupled with Chris Sotomayer’s color work that embellishes the art while providing a modern palette that feels true to the old watercolor style that the classic line of Milestone books had in the 90s, it is a beautiful, action-packed book to read through thanks to Rob Leigh’s lettering. If you’re a long time fan of Milestone, and hesitant to jump back into that world, or even see what this iteration of Hardware is all about, it has the same spirit as its previous iteration had when Milestone smashed their way into the comics scene and is worth collecting the whole series in trade. Add this to your pull list for new comic book day.
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