The Middleman TV series finale has finally arrived, in print form, and it’s a fitting goodbye to the beloved show.

The Middleman
Doomsday Armageddon Apocalypse
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Everyone makes an appearance — Lacey, Wendy’s boyfriend Tyler, Noser, Manservant Neville, Roxy the former succubi, giant robots — and the events are suitably amazing, huge, and touching. What really got to me, though, beyond the insane ideas and creative action was the spot-on dialogue. I’d missed hearing the characters talk like this, whether jokes about the costumes or the Middleman’s exclamations or Ida’s insults to Wendy or Dub-Dub’s lengthy hip statements.

Visually, the characters are cute. They aren’t exactly likenesses, but they capture the key features: eyes, hair, expressions. More importantly, all the open questions are dealt with. Lacey and the Middleman reach an understanding. We find out more about the other woman the boss loves and how he became the Middleman. And finally, we learn his name.

By the end, I found myself tearing up, between the need for sacrifice and the Doctor Who reference. Plus, I just miss this show so much! In addition to the gripping story, there’s a “previously” page to remind readers of where we left off, and four pages of annotations of the many pop culture references. I needed the help, since I wouldn’t have gotten most of them without the guide.

For some reason, the book is only available from the publisher, Viper Comics, which means with $4.50 shipping, you’re going to be paying a 50% premium over the cover price of $7.95. It’s still worth it.

Update: (8/2/10) The book is now available at Amazon, which makes it easier to order.