COMIC BOOK REVIEW: We Stand On Guard #4

BURN THEM ALL!

Brian K. Vaughan and Steve Skroce continue their fight for awesomeness in the apparently riveting tale of desperation and determination in We Stand on Guard #4. Unlike the previous three chapters that presented some extensive background checks and characterizations, this latest issue is the most action packed yet (of course, Brian and Steve save the best of the best in the next future parts). The cover art by the Canadian maestro alone gives the necessary impetus for readers and fans to proceed immediately to the interiors to see for themselves how the future imperialist Americans really go virtually full throttle in crushing a relatively ragtag guerilla outfit with almost its military might, similarly paralleling to the events transpired in the Vietnam War in the 1960s. Simply saying, America in this futuristic scenario is throwing gasoline just to kill the rat.

Story-wise, BKV finally presents how the main female protagonist ends up the rebel or revolutionary we really grow to care with. But most importantly, the writer illuminates an interesting part of the conflict that may or otherwise influence the direction of this gripping series—internal conflicts. Reflecting and revisiting once more on one of the major factors why Americans lost the Vietnam War: the existence of the media outlet. Brian briefly but strongly emphasizes the role of media of its possible unearthing of the government lies and follies behind the so-called “benevolence” and the “altruism” of “pre-emptive strikes” (or “pre-meditated attacks” in some language). Just look what happened in the abovementioned war which ultimately led to America’s eventual withdrawal and also the serious rise of the media establishment as the arbiter of swaying the public opinion against the institution, particularly the government. In this regard, Vaughan reminds the readers how the future American regime may try its best to cover up its dirty works and secrets to the general public. Yet ironically, the writer probably implies of the media’s persisting attitude of leaking those incriminating and damning evidences that lead to social disturbances in different parts of America that are briefly presented here, reflecting once again the historical ghosts left behind during the height of the Vietnam War and other succeeding American military foreign involvements since then.

Of course, Steve Skroce provides readers some of the most wicked illustrations yet, including his perennial role of doing the heavy lifting in making this tale worth investing for and more! I opine that his best artistic moments usher when the action scenes and the adrenaline rushes take center stage, which I can’t believe he really pulls this one off, more than what I expected. It is true he masters the intricate and painstaking illustrations, particularly his facial portrayals and the machineries involved. But this time around, he simply outclasses himself. Aside from his virtual mastery of paneling sequences and the angular perspectives that seem flawless to mesmerize and artistically easy to digest upon, just look how he draws several robotic dogs (of sorts) and the aircrafts as if one speculate he has a team of artists to assist him. But hell no, he is simply one of the best artists out there, and he illustrates these futuristic instruments of war and destruction with almost perfection. He illustrates the Canadian tundra, the interiors of the mountain-camp base, the only vegetative landscape left in the middle of the barren and totally polluted terrain, and the action-packed panels in the middle up to the climatic parts. In other words, Skroce’s art is SPECTACULAR to behold!

Naturally, I still find fault on the non-existing English translations of the Quebec-French dialogues uttered by LePage, though slowly and surely, I could comprehend the character’s words. But the rest of the issue is one of the best yet. And finally, this fourth chapter illuminates the growing discords from within the imperialist’s backyard while primarily highlighting Skroce’s greatest artworks so far (and hopefully up to the next issues). It can be argued that this chapter showcases Skroce’s re-emergence as one of the comic industry’s top artists right now. Of course, Vaughan’s scripts and some one-liners dialogues complement so well to the artist’s magnificent illustrations. Once again, GO CANADA!!!!