MASTERMINDS #4 (Dark Horse Comics)

Welcome to Level Four.

Edward’s search for purpose has led him into a dangerous place. After overcoming challenge after challenge, he now finds himself in a cold reality.

Either the dream of joining the secret society is a deadly reality or this is nothing more than elaborate heist. There is no turning back now. Is there really a win to this challenge?

Only one way to find out.

Masterminds #4 By Zack Kaplan, Stephen Thompson, Thiago Rocha, & Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou (Dark Horse Comics) delivers its’ pen-ultimate chapter.

Let’s see what happens now as it’s time to play the game!

Credit: Dark Horse Comics

*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***

Kaplan never takes the foot of the gas as more pressure is put on Edward. His current situation leaves him lying in pain. The scene plays out conventionally with Angie leading him to the hospital. Readers watch as Edward’s smarts or paranoia kicks in seeing through the scenario. His demeanor is justified as he eludes his pursuers. This leads into a more calming scene with Angie. Much like this game, nothing is as what it seems.

His rendezvous with Mr. Hinata proves complex as his nerves are shot. Kaplan shows his broken state with much vulnerability. This leads to a more shocking scenario. There is no doubt of where his path has led to now. The writing shows Edward coming to terms with his actions. Another conversation with Hinata lights an unlikely spark inside the self proclaimed “loser.” This puts him on course for one last “bonus” round where no cheat codes work. A suspenseful lead-in for an explosive finale.

read last issue’s review here!

Thompson & Rocha’s depiction of event cement the fearful truth of the game on every page. The dire opening hits with Edward’s unconsciousness taking hold on the second page. His awakening in the hospital cranks up his frantic look at the world. Panels show the desperate escape take hold. There’s never a second Edward’s mannerisms settle down. Even with a tender moment with Angie, the scenes feel tense. This only grows after one truth is revealed.

His meeting with Hinata is a physical chess match. Their talk ultimately unlocks the broken nature of Edward. This spirals into a retracing of steps that readers know all too well. The outcome arrives via a striking half-panel. Fate is sealed with a bold half page image. This leads into a more surprising look at Edward knowing what has happened. Panels reflect the spark lit inside him that previously was extinguished. It reflects the chaos swirling around him. The event leads him to a full page shot of his final level. A great job to keep the tension up on each page.

FINAL GRADE: 9.5

Edward Hale has arrived at his endgame in another thrilling chapter of this suspenseful tale. Kaplan takes readers on an emotional ride with Edward cyphering through his new reality. The art clamps down on the dangers right to the last page. A thrill ride that shouldn’t be overlooked at the comic shops!

Let me know your thoughts on Masterminds #4 in the comments below. Thanks for reading!