Week Forty-Two
This week’s issue “concludes” the Ralph Dibny/Helm of Fate storyline. Other than that, Renee Montoya sees her reflection sans a face. But, really, the main thing we’re here for is Dibny’s story, and it doesn’t disappoint. Much.
Y’see, I’m somewhat torn over this conclusion. Having Felix Faust be the villain behind this entire Helmet of Fate rouse is pretty cool. That’s not my complaint. I’ll tell you my only complaint about this issue at the very end of my post. So keep reading!
First, let’s talk about how cool this is. For the past forty weeks, we’ve watched Ralph Dibny slowly descend into alcohol fueled depression. We’ve been dealing with a man at the end of the road, desperate to resurrect his wife Sue, who died at the hands of Jean Loring way back in Identity Crisis. As Fate would have it, though, Ralph’s been playing along with the Helm this entire time, and after casting the spell of binding, he reveals that Faust has been behind the whole scheme, hoping to escape Hell by giving Neron the soul of Ralph Dibny in exchange for his freedom. Ralph also reveals that he’s been kicking back on Gingold these past few weeks, and he delivers a long-needed Grade-A ass-whoopin’ to Faust. At this point, Neron, DC’s resident devil, shows up and tells Ralph to go away, as he’s taking Faust and heading back to Hell. Ralph objects, Neron shoots Ralph through the heart with his own wedding ring, only to come to the realization that that was part of Ralph’s plan all along. Since Dibny’s no longer alive to undo the spell of binding, Neron and Faust are stuck in the Tower of Fate for the rest of eternity.
Only, that’s not true. If this is the end of Ralph Dibny’s story, then the rest of his appearances in 52 were a big waste of time. This is the type of thing that’ll make me sour to the series as a whole, if this is the last we see of him. Because, hey, guess what? Neron and Felix Faust are no longer in the Tower of Fate OYL. That’s right! Faust shows up in JLA, and Neron shows up in Teen Titans.
So, as cool as this issue could’ve been, it can’t be the end for Dibny.
If it is, well, then it’s really stupid.
See ya in seven.
I’d like to point out the fact that last week I called the whole “flask full of Gingold/elongate just in time” scenario last week. Also, very good issue, but I don’t believe for a seconbd that Ralph’s dead for good.
Well, Doom Delouise called it a few months ago.
Since he was all gingolded up, why didn’t the ring just sort of go into him and then stretch him out really far to the back and then slingshot the ring right back out of him? Or do his stretchy powers not work that way?
No, that’s Plastic Man. Elongated Man can only elongate, not reshape his body.
I didn’t know that about Neron and Faust being free OYL. That really does completely cheapen this ending (which would’ve been cooler if they made Neron seem a bit more powerful anyway).
But, it seems like the real point is that Ralph learned he couldn’t get his wife back, so he was going to her. So he probably won’t return any more.
Also, I agree with Jim that the art was not that great. If that’s the guy who did Transmetropolitan, then I feel okay continuing to not read that book.
So if Neron and Faust are out OYL, then Ralph can’t be dead, right? I don’t think his story’s over yet.
Also, I’m almost certain the Teen Titans story with Neron was a pre-OYL flashback.
Yeah here we go, our very own Doom Delouise called the Gingold cocktail on December 6 in week 31:
http://legionofdoom.cheeksofgod.com/?p=294