Moment of Truth (Excellence #5 Review)
Updated: Jan 25, 2020
EXCELENCE #5
Writer: Brandon Thomas
Artist: Khary Rhandolph
Colorist: Emilio Lopez
Letterer: Deron Bennett
Publisher: Image Comics
Rating: 9/10
"Nobody's invincible, no plan is foolproof
We all must meet our moment of truth"
- Gang Starr
How is it, that this series continues to get better with every issue? Thomas and Randolph continue to prove why this is one Image's best books. The heat turns up as Spencer discovers some truths about Aaron, his father, and himself. The book continues to pull you in with it's compelling and dramatic story and energetic art.
This issue picks up with Spencer stealing dealing with the fact that Aaron's memories have taken up residence in his head after the battle he fought with Aaron. Having hated him his whole life, it's interesting that Spencer gains this new insight into Aaron's mind. He sees as Aaron falls in love with his charge, even though it's against the rules. Spencer almost becomes more sympathetic to Aaron, as he's also give a glimpse into the past where Aaron is attacked and isn't able to help him. These fight scenes are where Khary Randolph really shines. The fluidity of movement is executed beautifully.
Spencer is set to take down the establishment, The Aegis, and will do so no matter the cost. HIs father had known that Spencer was headed down this path, so he sets Monique (an interesting new character who almost has a Shuri vibe) to follow him and keep an eye on him. But he wants Spencer to know, kind of keep him on his toes. The crazy part is that Spencer's dad gives Monique a wand, even though women aren't allowed to use magic. It's here that you can see his father isn't exactly what he seems to be.
While Spencer seeks to have Aaron's memories removed from his head, he sneaks into the Floe to get to Aaron's wand. This is where the crazy shit happens. As he's trying to recreate the conditions that cause his and Aaron's mind to meld together. He starts hearing different voices, then the bomb drops. His father enters his mind. He tells him that his Gigi's death wasn't an accident, it was retaliation towards his father. These pages by Khary are absolutely bonkers, it's almost not fair how good this dude is. The depiction of power flowing out of Spencer
WHAT?!?!?
That's right, it seems that Spencer's father has been setting stuff up for quite some time. The rebellion against The Aegis is just beginning.
Brandon Thomas has created such a rich world of characters with so many twists and turns, that you can't help but want more. Couple that with lightning quick art from Khary Randolph and it's a crime not pick up this book. Every month these guys continue to show us that...
EXCELLENCE IS REAL
"They say it's lonely at the top in whatever you do
You always gotta watch motherfuckers around you
No one is untouchable, no man is bulletproof
We all must meet our moment of truth"
-Gang Starr