THE PHANTOM #4 (Mad Cave Studios)
As the Singh Brotherhood starts to feel the squeeze put on them by the Phantom, they decide to fight back. Now the hunter becomes the hunted, and the aura of the Phantom will truly be put to the test. Will the Phantom be able to save the village or will this be the end of the man who can not die?
The Phantom #4 - Written By Ray Fawkes – Art By Russell Olson - Letters By Taylor Esposito - Edited By Sarah Brunstad - Published By Mad Cave Studios
Credit: Mad Cave Studios
*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***
STORY OVERVIEW:
As the Phantom continues to takedown the Singh Brotherhood, the mercenaries go on the offensive. One of the mercenaries gets a clean shot off and hits the Phantom and it’s bad. As the Phantom can barely get away to head his friend Guran finds him and moves him to safety. Unfortunately, the trackers are on to them and the Phantom is out of commission. Guran gets him back to the cave so Diana can patch him up and hopefully save his life. Guran will have to distract and keep the trackers away if our hero has any chance of survival. But when forced into a corner Asif will only become more brutal until he gets what he wants. What he wants is the Phantom.
WRITING:
In this issue, the survival of the Phantom is brought to the forefront, intensifying the overall tension of the narrative. Ray Fawkes demonstrates a deft hand in crafting the unfolding drama within the jungle setting, skillfully blending suspense and character-driven moments.
This issue focuses on Guran and his duty to his friend and the village. Saving the Phantom so the village has a chance to survive drives him to put his fears to the side. Without superpowers Guran may be physically weaker than the Phantom, but due to the size of his heart he is able to overcome.
At the same time, Fawkes exposes the relentless nature of Asif, highlighting his willingness to forsake all moral boundaries in pursuit of getting the Phantom. This portrayal amplifies the sense of danger and showcases the stark contrast between heroism and villainy within the story.
ARTWORK:
Russell Olson brings a dynamic visual style to the issue, expertly maintaining a refreshed, retro vibe throughout his artwork. His backgrounds are richly detailed, and the action scenes are especially striking, effectively drawing the reader into the story. The color palette he employs feels both timeless and contemporary, complementing the modern tone of the narrative while honoring its classic roots.
Taylor Esposito also delivers exceptional work in the lettering department. Every word is clearly conveyed, with the placement and style of the lettering enhancing the overall mood and readability of the story. Despite the narrative’s text-heavy nature, Esposito’s thoughtful approach ensures that the dialogue and captions are easy to follow, supporting the flow of the narrative without overwhelming the reader.
Check Out My Review of The Phantom #3
Final Thoughts:
The Phantom #4 may change the focus of the story from the Phantom to Guran, but this only strengthens the resolve of the story. The brave nature of Guran shows that even a normal man can do extraordinary things when pushed to the limit. As the story moves forward it will be all hands on deck if the village has any hopes of surviving. This suspense is the best reason to grab an issue and enjoy the story this week.
FINAL GRADE: 9/10
Let me know your thoughts on The Phantom #4 in the comments below. Thanks for reading!
