REVIEW: 'Home' #3 by Julio Anta, Anna Wieszczyk, and Bryan Valenza

 Finally, Juan is safe with his Aunt Gladys. His mom has been sent back to her home country. A family is torn but hope lies in Juan's emerging powers to overcome the forces that threaten his life. 

HOME #3

Writer: Julio Anta

Artist: Anna Wieszczyk, Bryan Valenza

Letterer: Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou

Publisher: Image Comics

Release Date: June 16, 2021

Cover Price: $3.99

With the help of his aunt Gladys, Juan learns how to control his superhuman abilities. Unfortunately, the news of his mother's deportation forces him to reckon with his future.

Score:

★★★★☆ (4/5)

With Juan safely in his Aunt Gladys' care, his mother Mercedes' harrowing journey continues as she's deported back to Guatamala without her son. She's arbitrarilly returned without knowing the whereabouts of Juan. It's been clear that the U.S. immigration policy has purposedly instilled a cruelty intended to discourage asylum seekers but has shattered families apart. It's fantastic to invest in Juan's story as one of those children thrown into a soulless cold system only to have him escape using his newly found powers. You can't help but root for him as he outruns the authorities. Now with his aunt, Juan is capable of achieving his super-powered potential. 

The series is beginning to transition to a more traditional superhero book as Juan's emerging powers begin to take hold. Yet, the spectre of a viscious and heartless force like ICE still lurks to make Juan's very existence a perilous journey in the U.S. Is it fair to make this agency the villain? Is it merely doing its job? Considering what we know about the santioned mistreatment of asylum seekers, refugees, undocumented immigrants while in its custody, there can be no question who the villains are. Juan's powers are his literal lifelines. Hope and resilience personified in his explosive power blasts that prove how special he is. And as it turns out, his gift runs in the family so he's right where he should be to learn to master his abilities. 

This progression to super-powered student doesn't come without a cost. Juan and Mercedes remain apart. A heartbreaking conversation between them reminds us that a parent will do whatever it takes to ensure a better life for their children. In Juan's case, like so many kids like him leave behind their immediate families and their home country. His powers won't take away the hollowness in his heart and so if readers can empathize with his plight while cheering on his superheroics then I think 'Home' has done it's job. 

Anna Wieszczyk's cartoony illustrations feel more at home when superpowers are used. The heavier themes of the series subside a bit to allow Juan and his aunt train. It's a familiar sight, a young hero learning to use his powers under the guidance of an elder. Wieszczyk designs some exciting scenes that are marvelously injected with bright fun colors by Bryan Valenza. The entire book has a rich warm color scheme that looks inviting and subdued. Going forward, Wieszczyk's style will mesh with the superheroics like it does at the end of this issue. 

'Home' #3 continues to charm while dealing with heavy themes. Juan's emerging powers offers hope and fun in a world out to get him. His aunt's mentorship will be vital in learning his powers because he still has a target on his back. Julio Anta is finding a balance between social commentary and traditional superhero antics that make this series unique but relevant.