This penultimate issue of No Hero dishes up both Carrick Masterson’s master plan and one of the most disturbing images I have seen in comics.  Masterson, inventor FX7, a drug that creates superhumans, is literally pulling the world’s strings to suit his every whim.  In this issue, author Warren Ellis reveals the depths of his power and his true reason for creating superheroes.

The members of Frontline, Carrick’s team of supes, are initiating Joshua into their ranks.  Joshua, who recently took FX7 is living with some pretty bad side effects; namely, no skin and his pecker fell off.  Joshua, who thought he saved innocents from a plane crash, learns that Carrick staged it for good publicity.  How will Joshua react as he learns that the sacrifice he made to become a superhero was all in vain?  Not well, I tell you, not well.  It’s worth the read to see this outburst!

Artist Juan Jose Ryp’s hyper-detailed style works well with Ellis’ writing (the same team that created Avatar’s successful Black Summer).  From the thoughtful lines of tiny fishes to anatomically correct disembowelments, Ryp is the master of precise detailing.  After reading these issues, I find myself leafing through the pages again, just to take in the painstakingly rich artwork.

The last page is gross and disturbing.  I had to examine the panels twice to make sure I really understood what happened.  I’m looking forward to the next issue, which will wrap this series up.  It will surely be a showdown with enough blood and finely drawn guts to satisfy even the most demented among us.

4 out of 5