BEN 10 #4 (DYNAMITE ENTERTAINMENT)
The summer vacation of Ben Tennyson is about to get more scary!
It is hard to believe that could happen as destiny has already shaken things up. Bonding with the Omnitrix has allowed the young boy the ability to transform into powerful creatures. This hasn’t sat well with the U.S. Army and other parties looking to control the alien power.
His family’s latest journey leads to a big top of terror. Don’t expect an easy night to the circus unfolding with ZOMBOZO as the ringmaster.
BEN 10 #4 by Joe Casey, Duncan Rouleau, Joe Kelly, Robert Carey, Steven T. Seagle, Ren Spiller & Taylor Esposito- (Dynamite Entertainment) puts Ben in harm’s way in more ways than one.
Let’s take a deeper dive into the latest.
BEN 10 #4 by Joe Casey, Duncan Rouleau, Joe Kelly, Robert Carey, Steven T. Seagle, Ren Spiller & Taylor Esposito (dynamite comics)
*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***
WRITING:
The writing takes Ben and company into much darker territory with this latest chapter. Readers get a solid horror opening before transitioning to a more familiar tone. Ben’s interactions with Gwen tease a solid family dynamic. It allows Ben to resort to childish ways in response. This moment has been few and far between due to the massive life changes of recent weeks. The time also tips off more hijinks as a grocery store visit becomes more complex than anyone realizes.
Readers see as a “random” encounter shopping leads into the dark times ahead. The writing stages this in solid foundation. It lets Ben tear a little more loose while his Grandpa tries to maintain order. Once in the Circus tent, the mood shifts very quickly. Zombozo’s dialogue carries a dire tone as he manipulates the room. It crafts Ben’s next play which fails to see success. This leads into a dangerous cliffhanger with more edge than previous issues. A new direction that adds more depth to the lead character for sure.
READ LAST ISSUE’S REVIEW!
ARTWORK:
Carey and Spiller tease the horror early with an unsuspecting family. The images convey Zombozo’s intent before heading into a true nightmare. A bold full page image showcases’ Ben’s thoughts. This steers panels into the more calm points of family bonding. Another solid image of Ben’s transformation allows the story to inject some quirky laughs in before moving locations. The grocery store continues the awkward times until a half panel welcomes the darkness in.
Seeing Ben’s family at the circus starts with an innocent enough feel to panels. A rambunctious carnival game shows the innocence of youth before the dangers arrive. Once inside the tent, Zombozo’s half page debut quietly shows his powers on display. This kickstarts another transformation via full panel shot. Readers watch the tense face-off become more staggering with the expressions losing hope. It leads to a terrifying full final page. Anyone thinking Ben’s life is getting easier is sadly mistaken.
FINAL GRADE: 8.6
Ben Tennyson’s trip to the circus becomes problematic fast with another solid chapter. The writing leans into horror themes for solid wins. Carey and Spiller excel at bringing this dire scenario to life on the pages. A new direction that is sure to push Ben into uncharted waters without hesitation.
Let me know your thoughts on Ben 10 #4 in the comments below. Thanks for reading!
