Royal City #13
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Written By: Jeff Lemire
Art By: Jeff Lemire
Lettered By: Steve Wands
The new issue of Royal City dives deep into bringing the family together. This is the first issue where you really feel like they all still very much care for each other outside of just the idea of it. Many secrets are finally shared between each other and even though not all of the questions for some of our characters are answered, we’re at least seeing a bright future for most of the family here. I only say most and that’s because Richie has gone off and is learning to deal with the decision he made at the end of the last issue. He is the most unlikeable character in this series but this issue pushes the character over where he faces a choice to make on what he wants to do with his life. The talk he shares with his version of Tommy is some of the best as you clearly see how he really feels about how Tommy passed away. His poor life decisions may have been a way to deal with his grief but it still doesn’t excuse for what he has done to others.
The psychological effect it has had on Richie is really shown here and I’m really glad what we got to see out of it. Patrick’s father Peter has finally awoken from the hospital and the conversation he shares with his wife Pattie is heartwarming in its own way. It doesn’t lead to what you would consider a typical happy ending. But what this shows is just how much happier things can be between people if truths were shared together instead of trying to hide each other’s pain through other means. The best parts of Royal City have been going through this pain with this family and how it shows that secrets along with constant mourning can only lead to so much depression. I say the best parts because of how real and relatable these situations can be for readers and the big payoff here in this issue is how even though things are not perfect. As long as you have someone to talk to, you can help each other get through your pain.
Even with a major unsolved situation at the end of the issue, which will more than likely be wrapped in the next final issue. I think the readers will enjoy how far we have come with the Pike family and just because your life isn’t perfect, it doesn’t mean you shouldn’t try to be happy. Most of all, not be alone.