There’s something I love about embracing your dark side. It’s intriguing to ponder what it would be like to act on the things you think/feel, but cannot or should not do. I like the idea so much I even wrote a novella about it.
This brings us to IRREDEEMABLE written by Mark Waid and illustrated by the very talented Peter Krause. There are ten total volumes in this bold series about the greatest superhero ever known suddenly redefining evil. I recently tore through the first three so I’ll do a lump review post with brief thoughts on each. The first sentence of each review is spoiler free. After that it’ll only be slightly spoiler-ish.
IRREDEEMABLE – Volume 1
How could the greatest hero to ever live, and most powerful being known to man, betray the people he saves? This is a deep question that is barely delved into with this first volume.
The story begins with the Plutonian, a Superman-esque demigod, massacring the family of a former vigilante colleague. Yep – massacring a FAMILY. That’s where it begins, with an act that would bring Supes to tears.
The way Mark Waid skips around in time to reveal the puzzle pieces of The Plutonian’s unraveling is perfect. We jump back and forth between the central villain and a band of remaining heroes desperately seeking a way to defeat their newly-villainous friend. All the while, even whispering the Plutonian’s name could be enough to give their location away.
Volume 1 ended with me thirsting for more. Thank goodness I had Volume 2 waiting!
My rating of IRREDEEMABLE Volume 1 is a solid 7 out of 10
IRREDEEMABLE – Volume 2
I loved volume 2! It was dark, innovative and entertaining. Witnessing the Plutonian’s decent into evil madness is hypnotic. From the sonic virus to the volcanic lair, I was totally hooked. This is one of those rare graphic novels worth reading through twice in a row (because I did).There isn’t much more I want to say about it because it would be a lesson the tragic tale for anyone who hasn’t checked it out.
My rating of IRREDEEMABLE Volume 2 is a deserving 8 out of 10
IRREDEEMABLE – Volume 3
Number three was the weakest of the IRREDEEMABLE volumes that I’ve been able to read thus far. Don’t get me wrong, it was good. However, volume 2 raised the bar exceptionally high. Seeing the broken childhood that planted the rotten seeds within the Plutonian was fascinating; becoming awestruck as those seeds grew was even better. Overall this felt more like a volume of treading water while working towards bigger/better things.
My rating of IRREDEEMABLE Volume 3 is still an admirable 6 out of 10
I’m eager to hunt down the remaining seven volumes – the first three certainly earned IRREDEEMABLE a place on my bookshelf.
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Belligerent Barnes 
Thanks for the reviews! I look forward to checking these out.
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