BLEEDING HEARTS #4 (DC COMICS)
Can a zombie be a human again?
Poke’s a dead zombie by all definition. One day, his undead heart comes alive. This ushers in a new wave of emotions for the young zombie. On a hunt, he stumbles across Cara and Rabbit.
In the past, he would have been feasting. Not in this moment. The zombie has developed feelings and emotions. Instead of trying to kill, Poke is more concerned about helping the humans.
BLEEDING HEARTS #4 by Deniz Camp, Stipan Morian, Matt Hollingsworth, & Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou (DC COMICS) shows the power of a tea party.
Let’s take a closer look at events.
BLEEDING HEARTS #4 by Deniz Camp, Stipan Morian, Matt Hollingsworth, & Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou (DC COMICS)
*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***
Leave it to Camp to set up readers for a stone cold gut punch. Rabbit’s blind optimism is strong in the opening pages. The Tea party is everything readers would expect. There’s plenty of awkward moments between Poke and the pair. It adds a sense of wholesome peace in the crazy zombie world. Cara’s ever watchful eye only breaks at her daughter’s laughter. It is the strength of trying to provide some normalcy this event lasts as long as it does.
Once Poke leaves, the mood shifts to a more unstable place. Heading back into the zombie community, it is clear Poke doesn’t seem comfortable anymore. The interactions with Mush steer into a friction of personalities. Readers watch as Mush slowly starts breaking down Poke’s secrets. The dialogue is filled with frustration on both sides. This results into a more steady final act. Poke’s response to events leans into one path. Once on this journey, another curve is thrown into play. This results in a shocking twist for the ending that will have fans talking. Another excellent reading experience.
READ LAST ISSUE’S REVIEW!
Morian & Hollingsworth open with a wide panel of the Tea Party in mention. The reactions of all three are priceless as this takes place. Rabbit’s wide-eyed hope floods each panel. This ruffles feathers with Cara’s stern responses. Readers watch as Poke’s clumsy reactions break up the mood. This leads into a series of two page spreads. Each convey the hardships of the humans while showing Rabbit’s unbreakable humanity. It serves as a fitting lead-in to the deeper struggles about to be exposed.
Readers watch as the fear starts coming over Poke’s face. His expressions are very different now in public. This worsens when he gets around more zombies. The casual talk becomes unsettling as he looks for a way out. Mush’s confrontation takes a sharp turn. The building friction comes to the front as he looks for answers. Poke’s responses show the aggravation he feels towards not only Mush but himself. An incredible full page shot sees the red sky take hold for the final act to start. Poke’s attempts to cut ties proves more difficult than thought. It ushers in a shocking finish to the book. A bold final full page drops the mic on one impressive issue.
FINAL GRADE: 9.5
Poke’s attempts to live in both worlds comes crashing around him in a phenomenal chapter. Camp weaves a fascinating look at the struggles of the kind zombie’s world. Morian & Hollingsworth dive heavily into the wide range of emotions on display. A unique vision of the zombie mythos that readers can’t stay away from.
Let me know your thoughts on BLEEDING HEARTS #4 in the comments below. Thanks for reading!
