There are three types of comics. There’s the epic fantasy/science fiction with cosmic level beings, (Justice League) the more down-to-earth and gritty, (Detective Comics) and the completely realistic ones with no capes or anything like that. (This series.) Usually I don’t read comics in the latter category. (After all, usually a comic’s purpose is to escape reality for fun entertainment.) However, after reading this comic, I think realistic comics have the most heart out of the categories. Near Death #7 is one of the most heartfelt comics I’ve read in a long time.

The official description from Image:

Markham employs unusual tactics to help extract a local teen from the clutches of a powerful street gang.

A great one-shot, that’s what this issue was. You can pick up this comic with no knowledge of the previous issues and still enjoy it. The main character is techincally Markham, but the focus is on gang member Casey Chilton. The story follows his brother Nessar and Markham as they show Caey why he shouldn’t be in a gang. There’s a lot of great writing here, kudos to writer Jay Faerber. The pacing is excellent, never slowing down, yet manages to tell a complete story worthy of a movie in just a comic’s length of pages. (And for just $2.99? A steal!) The great thing about the issue is that one can acknowledge the morals said. It’s not good to settle for something bad where you think you belong when you can achieve something greater. Heart, man, heart.

The art has an appropriately gritty look. It fits tits the tone and atmosphere of the story By the end of the issue the change with Casey doesn’t feel cheesy or rushed, it’s a natural progression in the story. My favorite line in the book was when Naseer told Markham “Have you considered that perhaps simply doing good deeds isn’t enough if your soul remains unchanged?” That, that’s a fantastic line of dialogue. I think I’ll add it to my favorite quotes of all time list.

Overall, Near Death #7 hits home. The description does not do it justice. It’s a comic filled with heart. If you’re tired of reading about capes and cosmic level beings or just looking for a really great, realistic story with heart that you can just jump in, pick up Near Death #7.