COMIC BOOK REVIEW: Secret Wars #4
Raves
Rants
GOD’S WRATH/FEAR If one is omnipotent, does s/he have to fear something or someone? This is the question Jonathan Hickman wants us to ponder in the ever tensing and pulse-pounding SECRET WARS #4. Together with his frequent collaborator, Esad Ribic, the writer continues on the exploration of Doom’s omnipotence while tackling how exactly Doom […]
GOD’S WRATH/FEAR
If one is omnipotent, does s/he have to fear something or someone? This is the question Jonathan Hickman wants us to ponder in the ever tensing and pulse-pounding SECRET WARS #4. Together with his frequent collaborator, Esad Ribic, the writer continues on the exploration of Doom’s omnipotence while tackling how exactly Doom saved the remaining lives of the previous Marvel multiversity, and created the current status quo, Battleworld. And, since this is a superhero comic event, we finally witness something that is worth our patience here. Hickman fulfills yet again that is worthy of the term EPIC in storytelling and plot twists.
Secret Wars #4 is so far the most straightforward issue yet. So focus, you can immediately comprehend the seriousness of this chapter and it can be considered the pivotal one for the ramifications of the post-Secret Wars Marvel universe in the near future are starting right here already. There are two unexpected demises here. Yes, the Game of Thrones feel is right here yet again, no holds barred and no prisoners taken. No major characters are sacred here, especially in Hickman’s mindset. This would further fuel some of the readers’ speculations regarding the future of Marvel’s comics that are embroiled in the bitter movie-rights (you know what I mean here, especially X-men and the Fantastic Four’s case). Readers see what the very thing that can make GOD DOOM tick, and present how the all-powerful deity can both be considerate and even vengeful to someone who is basically beneath to his godhood status. Hickman successfully in most part narrates a clear narrative that finally one can say he can tell a linear tale after all. There are no flashbacks that are already a staple ingredient in comic storytelling nowadays. Most probably, Hickman decides to go to the fundamental mode of delivering a simple yet effective chapter to sustain the tensions, intrigues, and surprises that this mega-event had and has yet to offer.
Alex Ross’s cover art is as always, magnificent to look upon. It implicitly shows how Emperor God Doom calmly but strongly rules over all, while the rest of his inner circle merely gaze the readers on the impossibility of challenging the new universal order. Ribic’s illustrations are still highly consistent, particularly his takes on the battle sequences that are the main attraction for superhero fans out there. Just observe how the artist illustrates the helplessness of the Thor(s) to the might of the Cabal, especially the true master of death, Thanos. Furthermore, his inking is equally commendable that despite the very dark tone and theme, the light inking is highly appropriate due to the battles Hickman wants to envision and the magnitude God Doom possesses in the heat of the confrontation we finally waited for so long. Colorist Ive Svorcina complements and contemplates Ribic’s illustrations and light inking that illuminates more than the previous issues yet. Despite the lack of obvious flashiness here, the minimalist four-to-five color scheme is at best, sufficed that the drama presents here is beyond expectations.
Naturally, what is a Hickman without being high-scientific? In reading the conversations between Doom and Valerie, Hickman treats us a Stephen-Hawking level discussion of research and scientific writing that may turn off average types (well, Hickman is an intellectual-level dude to begin with, so we must get over that fact already). And, the perennial complaints of Ribic’s Achilles heels—LIPS. Doom’s helmet, especially the mouth part, is so irritatingly funny and cartoonish to begin with. If that’s the case, what more on other characters’ close-up faces?
Regardless, Secret Wars #4 is the start of the action we patiently wait and being rewarded. This is a highly accessible but more focused and straightforward yet. Secret Wars has yet to disappoint us, and hopefully, this kind of consistency carries on until the very bitter end as speculated.