COMIC BOOK REVIEW: Men of Wrath #4

As the mini-series Men of Wrath comes to an end, things are getting more and intense and further justify the mastery of Southern (American) gritty stories that only Jason Aaron can pull off. This is evident in his penultimate chapter in issue four. Together with his frequent collaborator Ron Garney, Aaron pulls no punches here in proving the old adage that the fathers are way superior to their sons, particularly on the formers’ true calling or abilities. I actually never expected that the motion takes place after the pulsating middle chapter that leaves readers breathless or thinking/intriguing if the next part sees a bit of a breather before the climatic last issue or proceed to the next level. We see the latter portion. The hunter becomes the hunted; the prey morphs into a predator, but the wounded beasts can be more dangerous when cornered or having nothing to lose at all. This is what the successor of the cursed name finds out the hardest way possible. Plus, this issue attempts trying to tie loose ends and even an unexpected twist in the end of the issue!

But of course, Aaron never forgets what makes his characters so memorable—they have a soft spot or two when the time arises, mostly unexpectedly or in a subtle way. Though knowing the fateful end, the old man grants his only son the sole thing the latter wants to know; and even bequeaths him and wishes him the best, all despite being having the deadly reputation he established. Even his son calls his estranged counterpart “daddy” a couple of times even though wanting to finish him. Meaning, parental love is still strong to these two cursed family members.

The pacing of the story is superb, truly balanced and without being rushed for the sake of being rushed. The dialogues are virtually pitched perfect. The father-and-son moments ooze with emotions that even hardened/jaded/skeptical readers can/may sympathize with. The colors done by the amazing Matt Milla are equally superb and well-placed at best. Milla knows how to utilize dark colors when the situations need so; even so with applying primary counterparts that implicitly convey the few joyous moments of being liberated or the heightening of the events towards the dramatic closure of the infamous clan. We can see how Aaron expertly shifts emotional gears or moments whenever the tone or dictate required with. We are aware of this issue’s significant, but we must praise the author and the rest of the crew for giving us a satisfying reason to look forward to the (bitter?) end. Good thing we can still enjoy Aaron’s another southern tale in the on-going series in Image Southern Bastards after this great mini-run.

This series is highly consistent in every department, though some of us are still having a little difficulty picking up the Southern dialect and its nuisances if ever; but that is considered just a minor problem. Jason Aaron and Ron Garney (and the rest of this great creative team) fulfills those expectations. Thus, onwards to issue five!

 by C. Paul Ramos