OMG, YAY! Kubark is back! This annual is really just about the most perfect annual that I've ever read. This series has been on a roll ever since Aaron started taking the emotions of the students seriously and this issue is no exception. Although he mines Kubark for all the humor inherent to his character, Aaron also does an amazing job of conveying his loneliness, both for being the son of the Majestor but also the last of the Strontians. We experience all the hallmarks of middle school -- sitting alone at the cafeteria, kissing someone for the first time, hating a teacher, defying the principal (so to speak) -- but it doesn't feel rushed. Along the way, Kubark shows signs of becoming the leader that he's destined to be. In that way, it makes it all the better when Gladiator frees him. After Kubark proves that he can lead the Imperial Guard one day, Gladiator allows him to be "unique." It's a great message there, about supporting kids who meet their potential by not making them embrace it too quickly. Gladiator gives Kubark a childhood (albeit one full of punching) and damned if I didn't cry.
***** (five of five stars)
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