Black Cat, Vol. 19, 19

The climactic battle with Creed Diskenth and his Apostles is well underway, with only one more volume to go. And since Train Heartnett has faced down his demons already, the nineteenth volume of "Black Cat" is all about the earthshattering action, and Train's determination to get to Creed before Sephiria can kill him. Lots of explosions, monstrous creatures -- and the revelation of just what Creed's plan for the entire world is going to be. Sephiria manages to land a fatal hit on Creed's carotid artery.... only to have the wound immediately close up. Creed's quest for immortality has led him to create a new brand of healing nanomachines -- and he's seeking to realize his ambition of godhood on Earth. And though Sephiria may be No. I in Chronos -- and unleashes her ultimate techniques -- she may not be able to kill Creed. Meanwhile, Train's little gang encounters the nastier Chronos Numbers, and a gang of Creed's fanatical followers who are even more terrifying than the Apostles -- nanotech cyborgs. As Train's friends and the Numbers face their new enemies, Train and Creed square off for the last time... As of volume nineteen, it's pretty obvious that "Black Cat" is gearing up for the absolute final battle of all final battles. Creed has become so powerful that Train has GOT to take him out soon, and all the characters are gathered to take him out -- not to mention that Train's little trademark line shows that he ain't leaving until Creed is stopped once and for all. And pretty much all of this volume is action -- missiles, mystic sword techniques (including a big hostile-looking Buddha), lots of shooting, bombs, and crazy laughing cyborgs who like to kill people. I only wish we got to see how some of the Numbers such as Jenos and Shaolee fought the cyborgs, but we just sort of panned away from that. But the climax is the truly brilliant part -- a duel between Creed and Train, with Train's indestructible gun versus Creed's invisible stretchy sword. And we see these two at their most emotionally naked -- Train is determined, focused and somehow seems more mature than before. On the other hand, Creed's crazy grief-rage is more intense than ever, and it brings some creepily beautiful artwork to the story such as a wounded Creed staring at Train with haunted eyes, as his wounds steam shut. The nineteenth volume of "Black Cat" barrels into the final battle with full steam, and it's pretty clear that the series finale is going to blow your mind.