THE DIGGER #4 (INVADER COMICS)
A journey has come to its’ end.
In an attempt to help save his sick grandmother in 1930’s Veracruz, Mexico, a boy takes a dangerous task.
“El Excavador” has a deadly reputation. he needs a guide. The Boy needs money. Ends justify the means. However in this case, a noble heart might not be enough to survive.
THE DIGGER #4 by T. S. Luther & Sam Gudilin (Invader Comics) concludes its’ epic tale.
Let’s take a deeper dive into the finale.
THE DIGGER #4 by T. S. Luther & Sam Gudilin (Invader Comics)
*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***
Luther pens an impactful last round, leaving nothing to chance. Tying in the mystery set up in the previous issues as the backdrop, the boy’s last stand is bursting with emotion. Where El Excavador has been a figure of mystery, the writing exposes the dark truth. This aspect is timed perfectly as the question of survival comes into play. Luck has worked so far. Eventually, it has to run out.
Readers witness the harsh lessons begin to pay dividends as the Boy navigates the new surroundings. The tone is brooding and shows no forgiveness. It makes for an unsettling stage. Where the story detours is the Boy’s quiet confidence. When faced with immediate danger, the newfound confidence holds its’ own (for better or worse). Luther keeps this factor steady as the goings get difficult. It spins into a stunning final act. How events play out will catch the audience off guard. This helps stage the epilogue with a true sense of curiosity as to what lies ahead. The short term answer is a direct re-read as the series drops a huge gut punch with the final scene. Excellent work on display here.
READ LAST ISSUE’S REVIEW HERE!
Gudilin opens with a huge two page spread of the past. Seeing how the ruins turn deadly gets a huge assist from the lettering and colors. Using the contrast in the scenes makes a grave impression. It sets the mood for preset day where the stakes are just as high. The Boy’s curiosity never escapes the early panels. This ushers him in deeper into dangers. The two page descent into the hellish tomb carries readers into the fateful stand-off.
Seeing Excavador’s menace growing stronger adds fuel to the drama. It locks readers into the belief of impending doom. The full page image of the tomb and shadows makes a striking statement. This becomes the catalyst for the last stand. Seeing the Boy’s eyes swell with fleeting hope moves the panels into the ultimate conclusion. Once again, the coloring comes into a major stage in bringing out the terror of this moment. It allows the aftermath to get a somber and bittersweet two page spread. Readers get one last haunting full page to depart with as another leaves no doubt of one character’s fate.
FINAL GRADE: 9.3
The Boy discovers the truth but is it too late in this excellent final issue. Luther pens a thrilling last encounter, brooding with fading hope. Gudilin unlocks the dark scenarios with exquisite art. A shocking departure that simply can’t be missed!
Let me know your thoughts on THE DIGGER #4 in the comments below. Thanks for reading!
