It’s a shame that this is the fourth issue, because it
really seems like the series has just begun.
The fourth issue isn’t perfect and actually breaks away from the formula
that was very consistent throughout the first three issues. Troy Hickman and
company continue to show why this book won Pilot Season in the first place. Top Cow would be crazy not to give the series at least another mini. That fact is this and Echoes
have been the only series to come out on a timely schedule, that fact alone
warrants another series at the least.
This issue picks up with the big reveal of the last issue.
Twilight Guardians father has returned to her. It’s an interesting scene as the
father explains where he’s been, how he got to be the wandering nomad that he
is and reveals that he used to be a semi-famous comic book artist. The father and
daughter share a moment with each other and she really doesn’t know how to
respond to anything that’s happening; basically acting against all of her
instincts and training. From there she heads out on to patrol, but not before
reading one of her father’s comics which in a way was about the corporate
structure of comic books and how large companies leech off of the creations of the creators. From there the Twilight Guardian is actually put to the test in a series
of events that are very rewarding to readers of the series.
As I said this issue breaks from the pre-established formula
of the series that was original composed of three acts. This issue is really more of two
acts though you could consider the last scene the third, but it would be a very
short third act. The story with the father adds an extra layer to Twilight
Guardians life which was interesting, but it didn’t show where the relationship
or that element of the story was going. It ultimately felt like it was introduced
too late into the arc. If the series were to continue then this would have been
a great introduction to the next story line. I liked the fact that Twilight’s
medical condition was never full explained since it keeps a layer of mystery to
the character, but I can see some readers being aggravated by this.
The fourth issue isn't perfect, but it is very good and
rewarding for people that have been following the series. I think even if you
pick up this issue as your first issue it gives you enough back ground into the
story and tells a complete enough tale, to make it very enjoyable. Troy Hickman
tries a lot of things that almost seem taboo in comics these days. The lack of
dialog throughout the series was amazing and allowed the artist to tell a lot
of the story while the captions added to the pictures rather than vice versa.
It not only shows his understanding of comics, but that he completely
understands the art of storytelling.
I would be reticent if I
did not at least mention Sid Kotian’s art as he’s given several challenges with
the story and meets each one head on. He really seems like the only choice for
this series as he clearly understands the story and what Hickman was going for
with the series. I don’t wish to spoil the final act of the book, but there is
a scene that is so chilling and real; yet very beautiful at the same time.
Kotian is very impressive with his range of penciling and details.
This issue was a good conclusion for what’s one of Top Cow’s
best mini-series as of date. It’s also a rare specimen in the world of
superhero comics, there has been nothing like it before in comics and if there
is anything like it afterwards… well, it won’t be as good as Twilight
Guardian.
Overall Score – 9.2/10
For more on Twilight Guardian check out the following:
Preview Time - Twilight Guardian #4
Twilight Guardian #3 - Review