“Latter Days #32”
Writer: Dave Sim
Artists: Dave Sim, Gerhard
Publisher: Aardvark-Vanaheim
Dave Sim is only a few steps away from making unparalleled comics history…no, wait…he’s already made comics history, he’s just on the verge of completing the tremendous accomplishment of self-publishing, writing, and illustrating the same comics title, CEREBUS, for 300 issues, spanning a period of over twenty-five years.In a field where many people consider themselves most fortunate to see a comics creator remain on a single title for twelve issues, this feat is simply amazing. Almost, shall I say, miraculous.
And to set the record straight, Dave Sim is not a misogynist. Nor is he insane. Such nonsense is usually repeated by those who spitefully pass on knee-jerk grumblings and baseless accusations from comics fans whose sacred cows have been dutifully and mercilessly skewered by Dave. No, what Sim is, is a brilliant craftsman…a magnificent and highly under-appreciated talent who himself humbly refuses the truth that he is now included with such greats as Jack Kirby and Will Eisner. But humble or not, he certainly deserves to be listed among these giants in the comics field.
As the title of this latest installment relates, Cerebus is now in his latter days of life, making an incredible parallel to the last days of the Oscar Wilde character from MELMOTH, the CEREBUS ‘book’ of almost 150 issues ago. In fact, we’re now observing our hero’s last day in Estarcion. At the ripe old age of approximately 300 years, Cerebus is anxiously awaiting the appearance of his son, Shep-Shep, who a somewhat senile Cerebus, as he prepares to pass from this life, hopes to leave behind to rule in his place.
But what matter of treachery is going on? The aged Cerebus appears to be kept as a prisoner in his own “royal” room with an ultimatum…a highly-charged political document that he must sign or he’ll be prevented from seeing his son before he dies. Will Cerebus give in and sign? Is the future of the State more important than seeing his son one last time? And will the advice from the conflicting good and evil voices in his head help him to make the right decision?
The clock is ticking and the sun is going down on the mystical and magical aardvark., both literally and story-wise. Sim’s hauntingly foreshadowing pencils and typical masterful lettering set a somber tone as the end approaches. One can literally feel the agony which the senescent Cerebus is experiencing , while the mood is nicely offset by the perfect touches of distinctive Sim humor.
With only three issues remaining, it’s an amazing opportunity to be able to witness one of Comicdom’s legends finish perhaps the greatest comic epic of all time. And if you haven’t done it already, tell your comics retailer to order an extra copy or ten of CEREBUS #300. It’s a perfect way to send a message of appreciation to both Dave Sim and Gerhard (his backgound artist for over two hundred issues) and it’s what I would consider to be an excellent tribute to honor a true pioneer in the Comics industry.
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