Christos Gage really hits the ball out of the park on this issue. I haven't been the biggest fan of this team of gifted youngsters, but maybe that is the intention. They are a tough team to love. Ultimately though, this is what makes them exciting. They teeter on the verge of villainy.
This issue highlights this concept better than any of it's predecessors. The team stumbles upon a "viral" video of team captain, Tigra, being savaged by the criminal mastermind, Hood.
The youngsters are traumatized by the horrors they see, and are disillusioned, seeing their steadfast trainer in such a vulnerable position. In the end, this leads to Tigra and three of the Academy acting on this life changing internet leak.
Gage really pulls at the reader's heartstrings throughout this issue, as we walk through this traumatic experience with Tigra. I actually felt myself become very emotional during segments of this book. And for that, I can only say, "Bravo!" Mr. Gage, great writing!
The end result of the Academy's involvement in this conflict though, represents the kids finally going too far and the repercussions are severe. So severe in fact that one might say that this is some good old fashioned self fulfilling prophecy.
For the first time in this series, I am excited to see what is coming.