THIS is the Mike Costa I love reading.

I picked up Blackhawks because I love what Mike Costa is doing in G.I. Joe:Cobra over at IDW. Even with the more sci-fi-ish trappings that come with the G.I. Joe world, he managed to maintain a layer of grit and realism that makes Cobra feel like it could be real… and a real threat.

But with Blackhawks, I’ve always felt like the sci-fi was overwhelming the “real.” I felt like it was about cool gadgets and wild scenarios than the characters. Until this issue.

Yes, this still has some crazy high tech goings-on. But it’s the dialogue in this that makes me love this issue.

The debate about whether emergent technologies are a blessing or a curse is fascinating. And the bar scene where Attila and Irish remember some very dark times? Those are the things that make these characters come to life. Throw in some good old conspiracy-type elements and a shock ending, and you’ve got a great book. (With Cafu and Bit capturing it all in solid detail).

We all know this book is being canceled at issue 8. But after reading this issue, I can’t help but wonder if it might have lasted longer if this was where the book had started instead of being so close to the end.