THE PERIL OF THE BRUTAL DARK: AN EZRA CAIN MYSTERY #4 (DC COMICS)
Has Ezra Cain finally caught a break?
His search for Karl Meyer has ushered Cain down a dark path. The snooping around the Clockworkers' Union has painted a huge target on his back. Allies are few and far between. Sandy might be his only friend at this stage until lady Luck intervened.
Meyer’s s ready to talk. This might be the lead he’s been praying for or his final nail in the coffin.
THE PERIL OF THE BRUTAL DARK: AN EZRA CAIN MYSTERY #4 by Chris Condon, Jacob Phillips & Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou (DC COMICS) delivers another intense round of crime pulp.
Let’s take a closer look into the latest chapter.
THE PERIL OF THE BRUTAL DARK: AN EZRA CAIN MYSTERY #4 by Chris Condon, Jacob Phillips & Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou (DC COMICS)
*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***
Condon delivers on an issue with loads of surprises. Cain’s meeting with Meyer is just as advertised. The writing shows the scared Meyer pouring out everything he knows about the Brutal Dark. It is frantic and captures the terror behind them. Another curve is tossed into play as Meyer is gunned down before Cain’s eyes. This leads to a wild chase where there is more than meets any eye. Pacing speeds up this chaotic run with plenty of action moments. The fallout makes an even greater splash.
Cain’s narrative has been thrown out the window. Once the tested investigator, Cain has now become a person of interest. The writing locks in on this as Cain evades the Dark’s hunting. This leads into a more calm state with Sandy involved. Their dialogue is quick as time is off the essence. This spills over into the final act. Cain’s valiant attempts to stop what’s coming is met with an unlikely scenario. The parting pages tease a dire future but not before leaving in sensational fashion. This was an exceptional read.
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Phillips constructs the tense feel of Meyer’s meeting to kickstarts actions. The use of lighting makes these panels jump as Meyer spills all. Once the shot unfolds, panels pick up speed quickly. This moves into a phenomenal chase. Readers watch as Cain steps out of his comfort zone to thwart the assailant’s plans. The lettering of Otsmane-Elhaou can’t be denied here. A simple scene grows to new heights due to his work. Events crash down at more clam space to allow the emotions to take over.
Cain’s call to Sandy eases readers into the next story phase. His expressions show the fear seeping in further. This only grows with Sandys information added. It will hit the audience like a gut punch. After a quick escape of his own, Cain moves the story into its’ final phases. A full page shows Cain at the doorstep of danger (literally). Panels move into a new darkness as a voice lingers overhead. A full page image shows Cain’s discovery. Coloring in this page is exceptional. This leads into an explosive two page splash. Its’ aftermath shows Cain in a troubling place. His grimace of pain is the start of something more sinister en route.
FINAL GRADE: 9.5
The Brutal Dark have struck Cain’s plans with a devastating blow in this latest chapter. Condon delivers an excellent look at Cain’s desperate attempts to stop the group’s sinister plans. Phillips crafts a healthy dose of action and drama. A magnificent addition to any reader’s collection.
Let me know your thoughts on THE PERIL OF THE BRUTAL DARK: AN EZRA CAIN MYSTERY #4 in the comments below. Thanks for reading!
