Maybe it will sound repetitive, maybe you’ll get bored by reading it again, but Rai is still surprising me, and if you add Gilad the Eternal Warrior to the plot, I like things even more. That’s why I enjoy reading every issue from 4001 A.D and this, the fourth in the series, wasn’t any different.
4001 A.D. #4 was filled with intense action and some cool scenes full of drama. The script was better this time around, and I say this because it took me less time to read and absorb it all. The book didn’t get boring at all while reading, so there’s something working better here than it should for a series of this nature.
Starting off with a little re-cap of everything that took place before this issue was a good option, and it helped me to remember a few things that I forgot, due to the plethora of comics I cover here that came out between this and last issue. It was a little short, but I really enjoyed it and it served its purpose.
The best part of the issue was the dialogue, and while being a little cliché, it was short, direct and tinged with the right emotional charge. The overall narrative was also great and I would like to see more of it as it develops, but only if it comes from Lula’s viewpoint; This character has a raw, poetic way of speaking on the wars and the apocalypse of her own world. Truly amazing stuff!
I would have loved to see more about Gilad, but this is really the only little thing with the book that bothered me. The central action was around Rai and Father, building on their last fight, so I figure that we will be seeing more of the Eternal Warrior in future issues. I admit that he has become one of my favorite characters in the Valiant universe.
But even will all the above praise it was a little strange to see the images that showed motion looking blurred in some panels, although I do think that was how it was supposed to look like. This style choice isn’t something that I’m used to, but it didn’t really bother me in any serious way, and I’ll admit it does give the whole issue a more interesting look.
The coloring work in 4001 A.D. #4 was one of the strongest points this issue has and even if it’s not your cup of tea, or what you are used to in comics, you can really appreciate the work done here. It’s all very dynamic, with a little bit of that cinematic aesthetic that I really enjoy.
I may sound like a broken record on this, but the full page spreads are just great and they would work perfectly as a cover, or an alternative one in future printings. The last big spread one was my favorite of the whole issue and was a great way to end everything. It’s the sort of scene that sticks with you for a while because long after reading, and to be honest, everything on it is perfect in my opinion. Well, maybe except for the lettering on the sky, as it lacks harmony in the overall composition.
Regardless of the very minor things I dislike, this is one of the best issues I’ve seen from Valiant so far! 4001 A.D. #4 is an exciting and beautiful experience that shouldn’t be missed.
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