This is where it all comes together. The first 2 issues are backstory on the FSA Commander from the Tunnel, the one Matty always finds himself tangled up with and trying to figure out. The story does a very good job of fleshing out a character who's essential to the whole series in many ways, but has been absent for quite a while (2 years in the story, ever since Parco Delgado was elected). He's no redneck hillbilly, but he's also no patriot. Like many others, he ends up in over his head, but just says screw it, and dives right into the thick of things. It's good to see who he was and what drove him to becoming who Matty encounters.The main story line picks up quite a bit here, from the events of MIA, and the bombings of Manhattan by the USA.Matty is now back to where he was near the start of the series, acting as the neutral observer and chronicler of the war. The USA knows it will legitimize itself and the actions taken by giving Matty free reign, and Matty knows he needs to tell the stories to start earning back the soul he feels he lost.Cue up the reappearance of a few characters that haven't been seen in a bit: First, the FSA Commander, who's been captured by the USA, and who asks to speak with Matty. He has some major intel for Matty that could blow everything for the USA, who are trying to win the war and move forward.He also reveals to Matty that the FSA was behind supporting Parco Delgado, and that he knows where the missing governor of NYC is hiding.Matty then goes to seek out Parco, and see if what the FSA Commander told him is true...what he finds out then gives Matty all the power again to make a decisive move in the outcome of the war.Much like previously, Matty is in a position with extremely sensitive information, and all the proof of it he could need. However, this time he thinks a lot harder about what he really needs to do with that info, and what will serve the greater good, whatever that greater good really is...As regards the FSA and the USA, we see the parallels in both groups, that they will both lie, cheat, steal and kill for their own best interests. NYC doesn't really matter to either side, so much as winning the war. It's crystal clear that there are no 'good guys' or 'bad guys' in this Second Civil War. Just 2 groups with leaders blinded to the actual human costs of the war.This is a fantastically biting commentary on the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, the 'War on Terror' and the whole idea of 'us versus them'. Wood uses the USA to stand for the USA, and the FSA to represent the insurgents, Taliban, Al Qaeda, Iraquis, etc, etc. insert in whatever country or conflict you like for the last number of years. He hits the nail on the head, that in war, there are no winners, only survivors; however, it is usually the civilian population who suffers the most. What scares me the most, is that while reading the last 3 volumes over the past few days, the news is all about Syria, and sending more forces overseas...and that was one of the biggest factors leading to what happens in the book with the rise of the FSA and the collapse of American society...I'm not saying he's Nostradamus or anything, but it's fairly spot on for what's happening. (minus the collapse...yet).Both sides play dirty, and one of the 2 major characters who make a return in this volume will find themselves executed.In what feels like events coming full circle, Matty seeks out Zee to give him guidance. Even though he's been in the DMZ 4-5 years now, it speaks to him still feeling like the outsider. It seems fitting that after everything, he still feels like her opinion is important, and he doesn't trust himself to make the 'right' decision, whatever that is. However, she still leaves him to make the choice himself...In the final book, it chronicles Zee's life over the last 4-5yrs and shows that through it all, she may be the one character that can claim to be untainted by it all, and "good", though she herself wouldn't think so, and there's much more work left to be done, with the DMZ/NYC still sitting in ruins, only 400K living there still.Though there is a 12th Volume, (and I WILL read it) this seems like a very fitting ending to DMZ and Matty Roth's story. Bravo to Brian Wood and Riccardo Burchielli for creating and sustaining this masterpiece. Powerful, Relevant, Gripping, Real, Scathing, No Holds Barred work. Remember how I said volume 10 was the best yet? I wish there was a 5.5 star option or something, because this volume was even better. I loved fleshing out the background of the Free States movement via everyone's favorite "commander". Definitely managed to get me emotionally invested in both him and the "others" as I've continually framed the Free States. Nothing is as simple as it seems, really, and this volume proved that beyond a shadow of a doubt. Why does this series have to end? Taking it slow on volume 12, and will write up a more reflective review of the entire series once I finish it.
What do You think about DMZ, Vol. 11: Free States Rising (2012)?
man, have I grown to dislike Matty Roth. John Paul Leon covers are boss!
—Kendra
these get better with absolutely every book. can't wait to dive into 12.
—poppop808
Great penultimate volume. Started reading Volume 12 immediately.
—imasaliza
Very good work, headed toward a fairly solid ending.
—aquagirl163
Still engaging. Still compelling. Still cool.
—Sarah
