Miracleman #9 (HERE BE SPOILERS!)

This entire issue plays off its shock value, with Veitch's extremely graphic portrayal of Liz giving birth.  The only notable part of this sequence, from a narrative perspective, is the cruelty that Miracleman exhibits in his recollection of Gargunza, noting that he dedicated his entire life to this moment, something that he wouldn't see (thanks to Miracleman killing him).  It's not like a sociopath like Gargunza deserves any sympathy, but it's interesting that Miracleman's response to the birth of his child is such hatred.  Separately, we witness two alien-seeming entities entering Johnny Bates mind to determine if Kid Miracleman is alive in there, though he manages to evade them.  But, it's really just hard to get around the shock value of Veitch's art, and I honestly think that it just overwhelms the issue.  I'm intrigued to see where Moore goes from here, now that Gargunza has been defeated.

** (two of five stars)