The Ghost Fleet #4
A big issue for the big rigs
Writer: Donny Cates
Artists: Daniel Warren Johnson, Lauren Affe
Publisher: Dark Horse
Cates and team deliver a sucker-punch of an issue in this compelling series that introduces some real, shaking and terrifying horror elements as well as a shadow assassin.
Every single time I think I understand The Ghost Fleet, Cates pulls the rug out from under me. I wouldn’t have it any other way. This issue, is a compelling, complex and truly terrifying one that progresses the overall story of this book while embellishing on all of its already existing elements. As Ward struggles with the loss of his wife, Trace sees her resurrected in a horrific disfigurement that touches on the horrific potential of the load Trace is carrying. Mickey Reno, shadow assassin is introduced in equally strong measure, too.
It’s astounding how raw and honest this book feels given its cryptic nature. Cates is a masterful writer, combining elements of horror, sci-fi, Americana and more into this kind of collage of different worlds and ideologies that fully establish the true importance of Trace’s trials. After the last issue, I thought Reno would be dropped directly in front of Trace by some Deus ex machinia but, he isn’t. Instead, he’s introduced in a totally different and totally visceral way that playfully teases readers with what’s to come. The story moves at its own pace, making no apologies as it touches on action, horror, and real human emotion. The more cryptic elements, while frustrating, are near-perfectly orchestrated by Cates’ script, too. This team has found its stride here.
Johnson and Affe are a dynamic and capable counterpart to that stride. Trace’s visions (or realities, horrifyingly) and Reno’s introduction are equally impressive and impactful in different ways, demonstrating the real range of emotion and situation that these artists understand and control.
This book, more and more, is about the brutality of man and the trials he must face for being so brutal. However, it’s also about redemption. Everything is on the wheel, it seems.
Writer: Donny Cates
Artists: Daniel Warren Johnson, Lauren Affe
Publisher: Dark Horse
Cates and team deliver a sucker-punch of an issue in this compelling series that introduces some real, shaking and terrifying horror elements as well as a shadow assassin.
Every single time I think I understand The Ghost Fleet, Cates pulls the rug out from under me. I wouldn’t have it any other way. This issue, is a compelling, complex and truly terrifying one that progresses the overall story of this book while embellishing on all of its already existing elements. As Ward struggles with the loss of his wife, Trace sees her resurrected in a horrific disfigurement that touches on the horrific potential of the load Trace is carrying. Mickey Reno, shadow assassin is introduced in equally strong measure, too.
It’s astounding how raw and honest this book feels given its cryptic nature. Cates is a masterful writer, combining elements of horror, sci-fi, Americana and more into this kind of collage of different worlds and ideologies that fully establish the true importance of Trace’s trials. After the last issue, I thought Reno would be dropped directly in front of Trace by some Deus ex machinia but, he isn’t. Instead, he’s introduced in a totally different and totally visceral way that playfully teases readers with what’s to come. The story moves at its own pace, making no apologies as it touches on action, horror, and real human emotion. The more cryptic elements, while frustrating, are near-perfectly orchestrated by Cates’ script, too. This team has found its stride here.
Johnson and Affe are a dynamic and capable counterpart to that stride. Trace’s visions (or realities, horrifyingly) and Reno’s introduction are equally impressive and impactful in different ways, demonstrating the real range of emotion and situation that these artists understand and control.
This book, more and more, is about the brutality of man and the trials he must face for being so brutal. However, it’s also about redemption. Everything is on the wheel, it seems.
A Look Inside
