IT KILLED EVERYONE BUT ME #5 (Mad Cave Studios)
Sutton finally has to take a stand if she hopes to save Mason from the Stain. However, she cannot do this alone, but her only ally must be the one thing she despises most on Earth, the Heathen. Will Sutton be able to slay the physical and mental demons that haunt her or will this all be too overwhelming? The time to find out is now, as this is the final battle.
It Killed Everyone But Me #5 - Written By Ryan Parrott – Art By Letizia Cadonici - Colors By Alessandro Santoro – Letters By Taylor Esposito - Edited By James B. Emmett - Published By Mad Cave Studios
Credit: Mad Cave Studios
*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***
STORY OVERVIEW:
Sutton discovers what is left of Ian and she blames herself, just like she blames herself for that nightmarish night all those years ago. However, this time she won’t hesitate to do what needs to be done. As she comes face to face with the Stain, she shows no fear as she has a secret up her sleeve. She has unleashed the Heathen to help her take out the Stain. So, the battle between Heathen and Stain begins, and it is a violent and bloody one. Which demon will come out on top, and what will become of Sutton and her future?
WRITING:
What a final issue of a series (or hopefully just the first chapter)! Ryan Parrott has built this story up and as we hit this finale it definitely doesn’t disappoint. The horrors inflicted by these demons’ pales in comparison to the horrors Sutton places on herself. Parrot really does a phenomenal job of making that inner fight and mental struggle that Sutton is going through feel more important than even the external struggle fighting literal demons. Her growth and transformation throughout this series have been truly inspiring. The horror story on the surface really draws you in, but that internal struggle and growth of Sutton is what keeps you coming back.
Speaking about the actual horror in this book, it is and has been top tier. Even with the internal struggles going on, Parrott never lets us forget that this is also a pure horror story. The violence, the gore, and the oh my did I just read and see that moments are incredible. Personally, I have enjoyed Ryan Parrott’s other horror/thriller writings, but this one is my favorite yet. Parrott is definitely the most underrated writer in this genre, but everyone should stop sleeping on him after this series.
ARTWORK:
The artwork in this issue is every bit as unsettling as the story itself. Letizia Cadonici excels at bringing the horrors depicted in this chapter to vivid life. The illustrations feature deeply disturbing details, offering visuals that leave nothing to the reader’s imagination and fully immerse you in the terror of the narrative. This approach ensures the art is not for the faint of heart, as it truly amplifies the unsettling atmosphere of the book. The dramatic scenes in this book are also amazing, making the reader feel every emotion that the story itself is potraying.
Complementing this, Alessandro Santoro’s coloring is exceptional, perfectly matching the tone of the illustrations and enhancing their impact. The way the colors and artwork together makes each page even more striking and memorable. Add in the emotions that the lettering by Taylor Esposito shows, well making the story seamless, and you have an art team that absolutely crushed it.
Check out my review of it killed everyone but me #4
Final Thoughts:
It Killed Everyone But Me #5 is a perfect final chapter in this series and brings closure to this arc, well (hopefully) teasing another volume on the horizon. This book and series have explored different levels of the genre and has succeeded at them all. For those of you who have been on the ride for this whole series, you are rewarded with an awesome ending. For those of you who missed out on reading this, get to the LCS and pick up all five issues, or make sure you preorder the Trade Paperback as it will be dropping in March!
FINAL GRADE: 10/10
Let me know your thoughts on It Killed Everyone But Me #5 in the comments below. Thanks for reading!
