Review: Empyre #4

Empyre started out as a dramatically different type of crossover. Our heroes stood between two warring factions, each with strong justifications for their actions. While Empyre #4 is well executed, it does reduce those factions to more standard villains by the end of the issue.

The plantlike Cotati determined to take root with their Death Blossom onto Wakanda“s vibranium enriched soil to empower their army to eliminate all animal life. Reed Richards and Tony Stark have a great moment as they each try to strategize in their own way. T“Challa leads the battle on the ground even as he sifts through contingencies showing his incredible leadership prowess. Mantis brings allies to try to and stop her son Quoi who leads the Cotati, but this goes badly when it is revealed that they killed She-Hulk and took over her body.

Meanwhile in space, the Human Torch and Captain Marvel try to convince the Kree/Skull alliance not to destroy the sun in an effort to stop the Cotati from advancing beyond Earth. The idea that their leader, Hulkling, would be willing to do this is clearly out of character. This is even more suspicious as it was previously revealed that the Skrull Empress R“Kill has been hiding among the ranks. Realizing things are not right with her own people, Mur-G“nn sends Carol and Johnny to the one person who can confirm that Hulkling isn“t himself, Wiccan. The fact that Wiccan can see through a powerful Skrull disguise that fools even Kree Accuser weaponry seems unlikely. But it does save readers the trouble of worrying that Hulkling is acting entirely out of character.

The artwork by Valerio Schiti is solid, although no where near the best that Schiti can accomplish. The work especially in the second portion of the issue could use a dedicated inker to make it look less rushed. The characters and action are visually dynamic. The sequence with She-Hulk“s transformation is especially well done, but one wishes that the Cotati were used in more visually interesting ways throughout their scenes.

This issue is well done, with strong character moments, solid twists and a logical path. It is unfortunate that it leaves us in a much more traditional place, with two arch villainous groups unwilling to bend to see the value of humanity. It will be interesting to see if the Cotati can discover some empathy by the end of the crossover or if they will remain in place as the vegan villains of the Marvel Universe.

Writing: 4.4 of 5 stars
Artwork: 4.2 of 5 stars
Colors: 4.0 of 5 stars

Overall: 4.2 of 5 stars

Writers: Al Ewing and Dan Slott
Art: Valerio Schiti
Colors: Marte Gracia
Publisher: Marvel Comics

Author Profile

M.R. Jafri

M.R. Jafri was born and raised in Niagara Falls New York and now lives with his family in Detroit Michigan. He's a talkative introvert and argumentative geek. His loves include Star Wars, Star Trek, Superheroes, Ninja Turtles, Power Rangers, Transformers, GI Joe, Films, Comics, TV Shows, Action Figures and Twizzlers.