They see limbless veterans and, at times, reflect on the science of warfare and how it is the most horrible miracle of their promising new age. Shell-shocked characters in the parks and alleys exhibit the sourness of neglect, but, nevertheless, this sentimentality can only linger for so long as life is too short. Lutes' characters are paintings to be critiqued, much like canvasses should be critiqued should you walk through a gallery or art show. You ask these questions frequently, and sometimes choose to be indifferent. There are times when you need to put the super-hero books down for a minute, and realize the full potential of comic books for telling stories that are best expressed with clean line art.
Berlin fits the bill.
It's exposes the scabs and blisters of war-torn Germany, and feeds you feet first into a wood chipper while you're awake. It hurts that good.