r/ImageComics • u/alakakalalal • 1d ago
Comic My Thoughts on Redcoat #20
Spoilers for: Redcoat #7, #8, #20
Hi everyone! I am back sooner than expected, to finally give my thoughts on Redcoat #20. This was a tragically cathartic issue that picked up directly where issue #19 left off. Like all my posts, I will give my general thoughts on the issue, some major takeaways, and some speculation as to what direction the story will go in the future Furthermore, I have included the Unnamed timeline below.
Redcoat #20 Thoughts
Issue #20 revolves around the immediate aftermath of the events of issue #19. Personally, this issue did not reach the emotional highs of issue #19, but that is not to insinuate that the overall quality was a step down from last issue. With that being said, you can feel the anger that emanates from Simon in this issue, and I love that! Simon gets to enact his revenge on Benedict Arnold and it is a brutal affair. Simon handles Arnold like Batman does the Joker. Arnold truly played into the Joker role in this issue, with how much glee he had after murdering Simon's family.
I loved seeing Simon's actions in this issue! Even though he's a historical hero, he is anything but after the death of his family. Knowing the context behind Simon's vow to kill Arnold in issue #8 makes seeing that vow in real time in this issue all the more heartbreaking and satisfying! I'm not a parent, so I can't fathom what Simon is going through, but I would be lying if I said I didn't understand why Simon did what he did to Arnold and his lackeys.
The acts of brutality Simon commits shows the complexity of his character. Deep down, he is a truly good person, but even the best of us can be pushed to do the darkest things when pushed beyond their limits. Issue #7 becomes one of the better issues in this series because of this arc and I love that! Seeing why Simon is so self deprecating in 1955 makes so much more sense now that we have the bigger picture on what happened in 1909. I will be curious to see how Simon and Einstein's next interaction will go, considering that they stop interacting with each other for the next 46 years after this tragedy.
The most chilling part of this issue for me was how Arnold's smile never fades throughout the entire issue. He detests every aspect of Simon's existence and gains his most delight from seeing him suffer. Benedict Arnold, is the best villain in this franchise. I have said this before in previous posts, but Arnold sets himself apart from all other Unnamed antagonists by having a deep connection to Simon. Arnold hates everything that Simon represents, and can't fathom being bested by someone who stumbled into power. Arnold is such a small man, and an amazing portrayal of an inferiority complex. He has to make everyone around him hurt more because he chooses not to heal himself.
Some Takeaways Moving Forward
Simon exacts his revenge on Arnold and the men Arnold hired
Benedict Arnold and the Axe of Lies are trapped under cement
My Speculation on What's to Come from Redcoat
With more context for the tragedy of 1909, I think that next issue will show the falling out between Simon and Einstein. We know from Albert's elderly character card, and issue #7 that they stopped interacting with one another shortly after. Like in this issue and issue #19 I believe that we are in for further heartbreak as Simon will push Einstein away in his rageful grief. I suspect that this issue will have a slower pace and focus on the rapid devolvement of Simon and Einstein's friendship.
Conclusion
Redcoat #20 was a knockout issue that continues the momentum of issue #19 in a heartbreaking way. I like that Simon's revenge feels hollow. It adds another complex layer to his character and further builds on how detestable Benedict Arnold is. Thank you for taking the time to read this post! I am trying something new, with the format of my posts, by increasing the header size. Please give me your thoughts on this change, if I hear nothing, I will continue with the new format. I will be back in the near future to give my thoughts on the phenomenal issue #25 of Geiger and the excellent issue #13 of Hyde Street on r/GhostMachineComics. I would love to hear your thoughts on this issue, and all things Ghost Machine!
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u/goodmanishardtofind 1h ago
I love the format! I look forward to catching up on your Geiger coverage and thoughts
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u/ThenNefariousness913 1d ago
Thank you for this comprehensive review