Opening the comic “Mister Miracle” issue one, I was expecting a story of gods, massive battles, and confusing lore based on characters from the 70’s.

After finishing this issue, I was shaken to my core by its depiction of how a suicide attempt affects a person and the people around them, and how the intimacy of the subject matter contrasted with the insane world the characters live in.

At first, I wasn’t sure of what to expect in terms of quality in this comic. “Mister Miracle” Author Tom King’s writing has been extremely hit or miss for me. Meanwhile, Artist and Colorist Mitch Gerads’ previous artwork on Punisher was a joy to look at, but other than that I lack familiarity with his work.

“Mister Miracle” #1 opens with a campy narration contrasted with the visceral art of Mister Miracle, aka Scott Free, attempting suicide. This immediately gives the reader the crux of the issue: escaping death.

Throughout this issue, family members and loved ones all approach Scott about his suicide attempt. His loving wife Barda constantly asks if the bandages on his wrists are too tight, his estranged father, Highfather, apologizes for not being around as much, and his pseudo step-brother Orion punches him and leaves.

For a story about gods, this is incredibly human and makes the more fantastical and confusing elements of the book a little easier to take in. We’re told of epic battles going on elsewhere, but the focus is still on Scott and his daily struggles.

If the writing is poignant, then Gerads’ art elevates the story to another level. His chaotic style gives an eerie feeling that most of what we’re seeing isn’t real, that we are losing our minds along with Scott.

The detail on his characters let us know exactly what they’re thinking even when no words are said. Gerads’ bright coloring on the superhero outfits are bright and pop off the page, while the people underneath are drawn with grit and dirtiness.

As “Mister Miracle” #1 ended, I felt myself staring at the last page, wanting to see what was next. The way King and Gerads work together to tell the story of someone who has attempted suicide and how that affects his life and the people around him is impactful. If this is your first DC book, you might need a wiki to understand who these characters are.

However, even without the help of the internet, King and Gerads weave a story layered with questions and the distorted images in Scott’s world, that has me eagerly awaiting issue two.