“While volume after volume reliably cranks up the stakes (and the intrigue), the resolution fails much of the set-up.”

RASL has so many elements of being a powerfully memorable read: a troubled but believable protagonist, a cool historical spin on science feuds, government (?) conspiracy, elements of the supernatural/religious, the very trendy multiple universe theories. . . . all with graphics which are clean and focused on the storytelling.

So why not a higher rating? While volume after volume reliably cranks up the stakes (and the intrigue), the resolution fails much of the set-up. Instead of developing a conflict line which allows RASL (our protagonist) to grow/learn/develop, instead of resolving a story which teases readers with layers heavier than the government plot, we are instead left with larger (more ambitious) ideas abandoned in favor of a clever plot set-up which reveals who is allied and who is betrayer. In other words, the story finds it fulfillment in the action elements and few to none of the larger questions raised by Tesla or even RASL along the way.

It’s unfortunate, because clearly Smith can do more–he just . . . didn’t. RASL #5-8 to get us there?