We 3 is all things to all readers. It's funny and cute, but disturbing and horrific. It's touching and emotional, and it's cynical and critical. The story's actually pretty straightforward, but what sets Morrison's work apart here is an effective script that brings humanity to the four-legged characters while maintaining their animalistic qualities. And artist Frank Quitely's barrage of closeup perspective panels set his efforts apart as unconventional and memorable as well. We 3 may not only be my favorite limited series of the year, but my favorite comic book of the year, period.
The U.S. military is right on their tails... literally. 1, 2 and 3 tear through a forested area in an attempt to escape the hail of bullets being rained down on them, but it soon becomes clear they have to fight. Several helicopter crews don't even have the time to be surprised at the devasting might of their prey. 1 continues to insist the three ordinance-laden animals see out "home," a place where they no longer have to run, but 2 feels the mission is futile. Meanwhile, a military scientist decides the only option is to fight fire with fire.
I can only assume that the reason this limited series is being published bi-monthly is to allow Frank Quitely time to complete his pencils. It's puzzling, to be honest, as DC could have simply sat on the series until Quitely finished the work. Still, it's hard to complain when the end result is comic art as brilliantly detailed as this. His use of a gaggle of tiny panels to convey the violence is unusual and innovative. He both emphasizes the horror of the violence and dilutes it at the same time. His depiction of the animal protagonists comes off as natural and quite expressive, and I love the juxtaposition of nature and military science.
There are moments in this issue that had me laughing out loud, and they usually revolved around the simple-mindedness of 3, the armored rabbit. His flight instinct is clearly stronger than his compatriots', and that leaves him to observe the carnage that befalls his friends. 3's basic dialogue -- "uh oh" -- serves as a delightfully entertaining understatement in the face of extreme destruction. I also appreciated that Morrison demonstrates early on in this issue just how vulnerable these creatures are. Given their appearance, it's easy to see them as unstoppable machines of war, and Morrison makes it clear that's not the case.
What really blew me away about this issue is the emotional drama that drives the story. 1's optimism about finding a place to belong and 2's cynical view that they're on their own and that life is an eternal struggle to survive makes for an interesting conflict. The dog's realization that his lack of real direction has cost them dearly is a heart-breaking moment, and the violence that follows reads as though we're witnessing an unfortunate and ugly moment in which innocence is lost.
This book is incredibly violent and graphic, so it won't be everone's cup o' tea. But comics just don't get any better than this, and those with an interest in the medium, in the craft, would be well advised to check this book out. 10/10
