The virus is spreading, civilization is crumbling, and there is little hope left in the world. Monica and her group have to pull off a miracle to save humanity as we know it. But miracles and damnation are looking a little too similar by the end of this issue.
Note: This recap may contain spoilers!
No one knows where the term “The Empty Man” came from. There are multiple theories, but the origination of the name has little impact on what destruction it has wrought. The disease has been biding its time, but it’s out in full force now and the world will never be the same. While people try to personify the madness and make sense if it all, Langford it trying to dehumanize it and reveal it for what it really is – the end of everything.
Langford is determined to kill The Empty Man, one way or another, and he’s going to do it with Monica by his side. Yes, it will end the world, but it’s better than the alternative. However, they have to put their plan into motion soon because, once Langford re-entered our world, his cancer came back and is killing him once again. Plus, there’s the fact that the world at large is descending quickly into madness. Karl was falling prey before he became an unfortunate victim of The Empty Man’s hunger. And others died defending the possessed children, believing they were right in the eyes of The Empty Man.
What becomes clear is that reality and perception are definitely altered under The Empty Man’s control. Once Monica’s medication wears off, she can finally see the kids for what they truly are – beasts, messengers, disciples. And it’s up to Monica, at Langford’s urging, to be the one to finally stop the signal. Arriving at the empty, abandoned temple, Langford explains the origins and outcomes of The Empty Man. It wasn’t a person initially, but rather a thought. And then a person latched onto it, took control. But when they left the temple, they left a void that once again must be filled.
Filling the void was Langford’s goal all along. He brought Monica there to take The Empty Man’s place. She is a god now, and she can control her army of followers. Her first order is to take out the pretenders – hunt them down, murder them. And while the earth is being cleansed of the misguided, she will shut down the broadcast. But what will be the outcome of her requests? Surely the situation will not be resolved peacefully, and that’s almost guaranteed by the end of the issue. Melissa knows they’re shutting down the signal, but they’re also starting a holy war. We see Vicki pick up a gun, ready to fight the battle in The Empty Man’s world. This one’s going to end bloody and with a lot of decimation.
Rating: 3 / 5 Stars
