For the better part of a year, writer Tom King and artist Mitch Gerads have redefined Jack Kirby’s Mister Miracle by thrusting him into a 12 issue series which has challenged the title character in ways we’ve never seen before. The world’s greatest escape artist has cheated death on countless occasions, but even Scott Free can’t run from his responsibilities forever. Now, the story is entering its endgame with Mister Miracle #10, and it looks like there’s only heartbreak in his future–and we have an exclusive peek.

Now, what superhero parent wouldn’t be upset to learn their son already prefers Batman? But that’s not the reason for Scott’s despair. He and his wife, Big Barda, are facing a devastating choice. The war between New Genesis and Apokolips has reached a fevered pitch, and the New Gods are dying by the day. Darkseid has made an offer that could bring peace to both worlds. And all it will cost is Scott and Barda’s son, Jake Free.

Take a second to appreciate these pages by Gerads. He’s been a one-man art show on this series by providing pencils, inks, and the colors. He and King have also embraced the nine-panel grid that makes every page feel dense.

This is a reunion between Scott and two of his former Justice League teammates: Booster Gold and Blue Beetle. Continuity be damned, this is the stuff we love. Also, Boom Tubes are now as responsive as Lyft and Uber drivers. Watch out for that surge pricing, Scott! Not even Mister Miracle can escape that.

Finally, Scott’s coming home. But his life will never be the same if he accepts Darkseid’s offer. It’s the same offer Scott’s father accepted years ago, and it only led to more suffering and death.

Mister Miracle #10 will hit comic book stores on Wednesday, August 1.

What did you think about this exclusive preview? Let us know in the comment section below!

Images: DC Comics