Guns of the Dragon #4

This “prequel” comic concludes with an epic battle between Bat Lash & Enemy Ace vs. Vandal Savage. If you remember in the last book’s review I said that a character’s death was “actually something I saw coming. However, I would not be surprised if this character pops back up” in issue #4. Well, that prediction came true. 

But it’s the predictable resurrection that isn’t what’s wrong with this issue. No, that so of thinly veiled plot is forgivable. What isn’t pardonable is how poor the art is. The first three issues were fantastically drawn. The art was very much in the style of the great Joe Kubert. The art in this issue was drawn by the same artist as in all of the other issues. But, the art in this chapter looks rushed and the inking is quite heavily. It’s almost as if the inker’s brush was frayed and dripping ink everywhere. Yes, an inker can affect the art, but upon closer study, I really don’t think the lack of quality is his entire fault. At least half of the blame falls on artist/ scribe Timothy Truman.

Overall, this was a really good series aside from the piss-poor art and inking in this final chapter. Guns of the Dragon is full of action and adventure, it was like reading a Saturday morning serial. I could see Spielberg directing this with special effects by Lucas’ ILM studios. The ending is left open. I wonder if there were intentions to craft a sequel. Maybe there is a sequel to this mini-series and I just don’t know about it yet. It’s very possible that the events of this series affect another series, like Justice Society or Jonah Hex. Allusions are made to both in this book. But if it is, I just haven’t found the sequel- yet.

Not Worth Consuming!

Rating: 4 out of 10 stars.