EVERYTHING DEAD & DYING #4 (tiny onion/image comics)

Jack is in the custody of the group from the Sanctuary, but the plot is about to thicken. As the group discovers all the amenities Jack has kept going, their real motive appears. However, they may have bitten off more than they can chew.

Everything Dead & Dying #4 - Written By Tate Brombal - Art By Jacob Phillips - Colors By Pip Martin – Letters By Aditya Bidikar - Edited By Eric Harburn - Published By Tiny Onion/Image Comics

Credit: Tiny Onion/Image Comics

*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***

STORY OVERVIEW:

Jack wakes up tied up in a kitchen as Samuel and Colette are giving him the opportunity to give them information before they take him in for the murder of Ezekiel. The whole time this is going on the zombie townsfolk are getting more agitated because they haven’t been fed. Without warning Colette turns on Samuel and reveals that she and the rest of the team have decided to mutiny, especially after they have found out what an untouched paradise, they have found in Caverton. Magnolia has found where the town gets its electricity, as well as experimenting on whether she can rewire zombies. Meanwhile, Ross and Georgia take the time to make love in the beautiful farm they have found. But unfortunately for them this will be their last moment of bliss, and the mutiny may be over before it even starts.

WRITING:

In this issue, the narrative delivers an unexpected twist that catches the reader off guard, effectively setting the stage for the events that follow. Tate Brombal demonstrates exceptional skill in building both peril and suspense, keeping the audience engaged throughout the story. The sudden mutiny and betrayal erupt without warning, heightening the tension and forcing readers to reassess their understanding of the group dynamics. This surprising development reveals that the members outside of Samuel are not who they appeared to be, adding another layer of complexity to the plot.

Brombal maintains the suspense with a masterful "other shoe drops" moment in the final pages, further amplifying the intrigue and uncertainty. Additionally, the flashbacks to Jack's past are woven seamlessly into the narrative, offering deeper insight into his character. These glimpses into his history shed light on Jack’s unwavering sense of responsibility toward the town and its inhabitants, providing context for his actions and motivations within the story.

ARTWORK:

The artwork in this issue stands out as both impressive and hauntingly beautiful. Jacob Phillips masterfully depicts the post-apocalyptic town, capturing its decayed charm and rundown elegance. Each panel showcases the town’s unique atmosphere, making the setting feel immersive and real. The designs of the zombies are particularly striking; Phillips gives each undead character distinct features, infusing them with individual personalities that set them apart from one another.

As the story progresses and Jack’s desperation and anxiety intensify, the artwork becomes noticeably darker. This visual shift mirrors the escalating tension of the narrative, effectively complementing the emotional stakes. Pip Martin’s color choices further enhance the mood of the world, employing a palette of muted and somber tones to represent the present, while using warmer hues in flashback sequences. The contrast in colors helps distinguish timelines and underscores the emotional weight of Jack’s memories, creating a powerful and cohesive visual experience throughout the issue.

Final Thoughts:

Everything Dead & Dying #4 delivers a thrilling experience packed with unexpected twists. Jack is overwhelmed by worry for his missing daughter and the sense that he’s failed to protect his town. The visitors’ sinister motives become clear, but retribution for their actions seems imminent. Like the rest of the series, this issue captivates readers from start to finish. This series is essential for any horror fan’s Pull List—if it’s not on yours, it’s time to add it.

FINAL GRADE: 10/10

Let me know your thoughts on Everything Dead & Dying #4 in the comments below. Thanks for reading!