***Contains Spoilers***
The 1989-1991 Mister Miracle series by J.M. DeMatteis and Ian Gibson takes a lighter approach to the Fourth World saga, centering on Scott Free (Mister Miracle) and Big Barda as they leave behind the chaos of Apokolips to build a “normal” life on Earth. While juggling the demands of Scott’s escape artistry and encounters with quirky foes, the couple attempts to adjust to suburban living—a task that proves just as challenging as any intergalactic war.
One of the standout elements of this series was its focus on Scott and Barda’s relationship. DeMatteis excels at humanizing these larger-than-life characters by exploring their desire to fit into a mundane world. It was refreshing to see their dynamic evolve in a way that felt grounded. Barda, in particular, shines in this series—her assertiveness, humor, and moments of vulnerability really gave her more depth than she often gets in other stories.
I also appreciated the charm of the series’ tone. It reminded me of a 1960s sitcom, complete with silly jokes and exaggerated scenarios. Some of the humor landed well, especially if you enjoy the cornier, more playful tone found in books like Giffen and DeMatteis’ Justice League International. The attempt to weave comedy with heartfelt moments gave the series a unique vibe that, at times, felt oddly endearing.
Unfortunately, the humor didn’t always work for me. While the sitcom-inspired tone had its moments, the jokes often leaned too heavily into corny territory. This made the series feel dated and less engaging over time. Some gags overstayed their welcome, and the overall pacing suffered as a result.
Additionally, while the character work for Scott and Barda was solid, the stories themselves felt shallow. The stakes rarely felt significant, and the plots often meandered. It’s hard to get invested when much of the conflict feels like filler or an afterthought. For a series based on Kirby’s high-stakes, epic mythology, this run lacked the gravitas or emotional punch that could make it truly memorable.
While Mister Miracle (1989-1991) has its moments of charm and offers great character development for Scott and Barda, it ultimately falls short of being a compelling read. The humor is hit-or-miss, and the stories themselves don’t have much staying power. If you’re a die-hard fan of the characters or enjoy the lighthearted tone of books like Justice League International, you might find it worth checking out. However, for me, it’s not something I’d revisit. 2 stars – I liked it, but once was enough.
Feature Image Mister Miracle #3 cover art by Ian Gibson