It seems like a long time has passed since I last read Critical Millennium #2.  In that time the story has become a little fuzzy in my head and I was worried how that would affect my reading of issue 3. Sadly, issue 3 was just a little bit too confusing for my liking even if I’d read issue 2 only moments before issue 3.  

Stupidly rich Tommy Conn is edging ever closer to realising his late grandmother’s dream, taking mankind out of our solar system and into a new universe. While Tommy is so close it seems that everything that could possibly go wrong is as his plans for the future of mankind are not appreciated by the government and large portions of the population.  

While the attempts to sabotage Tommy are thrilling and, sometimes, even humorous parts of the story felt like they didn’t need to be there. The whole liquidating the company arc seemed pointless and only showed off that Tommy’s business partner is a bit of a nut. The main story is fairly involved with many competing interests and such a side story wasn’t really needed and, in the end, was a distraction from the main story. The issue also provided a lot of insight into Tommy’s personality and, basically, it made him seem like a giant douche bag. Pretty much you’re a-typical playboy rich kid who only cares about himself, which was odd seeing as Tommy is trying to do something good for the entire human race. Maybe that personality has always been a part of Tommy and I’ve never really noticed it as much until this issue where it really comes to the forefront.   

Most striking in this issue would have to of been the much harsher portrayal of racism in the world of Critical Millennium in this issue. The game show, whilst funny, was a deliberate mix of racial clichés that were quite shocking yet makes you think, ‘how far is our society from there’s?’ Also the scene between Pandita and her father was quite shocking, with some amazing facial expressions by Dussault, and after reading Superfreakonomics I know that it’s not an exaggeration. The issue certainly highlights the strong issues the series deals with like racism, resource exploitation, terrorism and big business.  

In terms of artwork Critical Millennium continues to be a well drawn and colored book. The futuristic world is filled vibrant colors it’s almost like an assault on your senses. I always expect a little bit more darkness and gloom in the series, but instead it’s filled with beautiful sunsets and a lot of bright light, which was actually a nice change. My issue with the action panels being overwhelmed by the onomatopoeia is still evident in this issue. They either obstructed the image or drew your attention away from it instead of enhancing it and the issue lacked one truly wow panel that will stick with you long after you’ve finished reading.  

 It’s surprising that Critical Millennium only has one issue to go. Gaska and Dussault have packed in so much it feels like it could go on for a few more issues. I’m really interested in seeing how the series will conclude and wrap up all the storylines. The art is solid and the issues interesting and relevant but I did find the story a little confusing and maybe a little crowded.