The inspiration Christos Cage, for his action packed, psychological ongoing nine issue comic mini-series “Absolution” is the southern mantra, “Some people just need killing.”  Also known as “street justice,” it is when an individual seemingly has the righteous responsibility to fatally punish an individual for a crime committed.  The rationale has been used in successful court cases in Texas even today first dating back to famous successful self defense case of gunslinger “John Wesley Hardin.”  It is a common theme in American literature, found in classics such as To Kill a Mockingbird, and modern classics like to “A Time to Kill.” 

In comics “street justice” is not a new theme either.  The hero is already taking the role of law enforcer into his own hands, why not the role of law judicator as well?  Although normally it is the “line that is never crossed” even as old as the clique goes.  I actually am not the only reader who has ever thought, if the Joker escapes a hundred times and kills one person each time at what point does the body count become Batman fault for not giving the Joker that one extra kick to the head he deserves?  (Or is truly asking for??)

There are rare exceptions to this case, most famously with Marvel’s anti-hero, “The Punisher” but there have been other notable examples; one other great example of a renegade hero is J. Micheal Stratackynki’s “Supreme Power” character NightHawk.  (Check of the six issue mini-series, Supreme Power: NightHawk.) Yet the premise is almost always very one dimensional, a non-apologetic revenge story.  I have come across nothing as fresh and cerebral as Christos Cage new six-part mini-series “Absolution.”

Absolution explores the concept that if superheroes did exist, the daily bombardment of horrors they would see, more than a normal police officer, could become mentally destabilized.  Cage used PTSD soldiers returning from Iraq as an influence.

John Dusk is a professional superhero, legally sanctioned by the government.  One day he lets a murderer die.  And he enjoys the feeling.  It gives him relief from the inner turmoil inside of him that keeps him from sleeping and enjoying the world around him.  He realizes the only way to find peace is to continue killing the sociopaths the justice system lets get away.

He embarks on a strange journey.  He has to hide what his actions from his fellow superheroes, the police department, and his homicide detective girlfriend.  He finds allies in the strangest places; even in the last place he ever wanted it.  

Issue six of six of the mini-series finished in January of 2010 published by Avatar publishing with an extra issue number zero prequel.  With amazing art by Roberto Viacava, who I have to admit I am unfamiliar with.  If this is near to the start of his career, I am sure it will be a long and successful one.  

This is also Cage’s first piece of work with a more independent publishing house.  Most of his other work is with Image and Marvel, working with “Wildcats” and “Marvel:House of M” and this work is of a much higher calibre.