END OF LIFE #4 (DC COMICS)
The Menagerie is closing in on Eddie Stallion.
After making the poor choice of trying to rob one of their leaders, Stallion is a wanted man. Now on the run, he returns to his home town. That’s the least of his problems. His father George is dying of Cancer.
After defeating Big Cock, Stallion’s life became more complicated. Drahthaar has arrived at George’s doorstep looking for Eddie!
END OF LIFE #4 by Kyle Starks, Steve Pugh, Chris O'Halloran, & Becca Carey (DC COMICS) delivers another excellent chapter.
Let’s take a closer look at where things stand now.
END OF LIFE #4 by Kyle Starks, Steve Pugh, Chris O'Halloran, & Becca Carey (DC COMICS)
*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***
Starks gives George the spotlight for this chapter, but not before moving some events forward. The opening with Richard Smileyushers in a new hitman with issues. The banter is hilarious as Smiley pleads his case. This is a far cry from George and Drahthaar. Their conversation is very business. There is little jokes throw into chatting. It starts exposing much of George’s past. Once this door is opened, it is difficult not to be swept up in his story.
Readers finally get some insight about the shady organization plaguing the Stallions. The writing shows what George has to endure in making The Menagerie into more than a “club for hit men”. Hedgehog’s story is a classic tale of cause and effect. It results in George rambling about more secret dealings. It doesn’t take long for Eddie’s father to do something unpredictable. This deflates the mood enough to give Eddie his latest challenge. Eddie’s jokes wind up throwing a distraction to allow strategy to work in his favor. The result is a satisfying one but not without consequences. Another incredible display of storytelling within these pages.
READ LAST ISSUE’S REVIEW HERE!
Pugh & O'Halloran open with Smiley welcoming his latest recruit to get Eddie. The panels show the awkwardness in Smiley’s personality. This doesn’t last too long as George’s portion of the story takes hold. His talk with Drahthaar throws a few questionable looks into the picture. Knowing George is plotting, readers see him go on the offensive as his son is hunted. George’s ever cocky grin stays by his side as he presses Drahthaar for information. It is responded with more coolness in the meeting at hand.
The flashback panels with Hedgehog show a very different side of the Menagerie. George’s involvement rolls into a lesson of tough standards. It allows more time to be devoted on the ramifications of failure. O’Halloran’s coloring makes these flashback moments jump off the page. This continues until a shocking half panel changes everything. Panels pivot to Eddie’s latest challenger. The near full page shows how unhinged the job to kill Eddie has become. On the opposite end, Eddie’s reluctant charm starts finding ways to creep in. It assists in constructing a solid final battle. The after match throws everything in more debauchery. Brace for that final panel!
FINAL GRADE: 9.6
George’s side plot takes center stage as another excellent chapter cements this as a must-read series. Starks brings out the long buried emotions of George with the writing. Pugh & O'Halloran crafts a wild look at the craziness of Eddie’s life. Big action, Huge humor and a strong message of family behind it! What’s not to love here?
Let me know your thoughts on END OF LIFE #4 in the comments below. Thanks for reading!
