REVIEW: The Phantom Squad #4
Issue four of this series from Coast Comics sees a somewhat somber mood overtake Perry Greene. Captured by the bad guys its “Torture 101” for our hero. Still, all is not lost as Perry has a friend who despite thinking of Greene as an imbecile, (a viewpoint also shared by others), is making his way to his partner in war.
This is the second issue of this book that I have looked at and I have to say, I am quiet impressed with this issue. In the last review I mentioned that when the action stops, there needs to be something to hang the characters on. Writer Cedbill delivers this in spades!
Reading the book, I am impressed with the flow of the story although the dialogue in places is typical action book stuff, but that shouldn’t diminish the veracity of the writing. Cedbill certainly knows the type of book he is wanting to write; smart mouth cocky soldier of fortune driven by an unconscious death wish. This latter part gets an airing in the book, which very much like the interludes in last issue, is my favourite part of the book.
Art is provided mainly by Marcos Lima, with Marcelo Salaza providing the last couple of pages. Lima’s work is similar in style as last issue. Maybe its the time I have spent on Indie books recently or maybe I am just in a better mood but whatever the reason, the art is better than last issue. I think this is in part to the structure of the story which overall is a little less chaotic and action orientated than the previous book. As with the writing, the art steps up with the interlude. Also, it looks like Lima may be a closet Smallville fan judging on how Perry looks a lot like the Oliver Queen seen in that show. Dylan Hicks provides the colors in a bold manner which works well, especially with tones and hues used in the already much liked interlude. A quick comment for Marcelo Salaza’s art; it’s a different style from the rest of the book serving to give elements of context to some aspects of the whole story.
Four issues in and I can see how Cedbill is planning for the long run rather than settling for action snippets in place of actual storytelling. The gusto that all involved put into the book is impressive, that along with the improving quality on show should please fans of Perry and his adventures.
Writing – 3.5 Stars
Art – 3 Stars
Colors – 3 Stars
[yasr_overall_rating size=”large”]
Author Profile
- I am a long time comic book fan, being first introduced to Batman in the mid to late 70's. This led to a appreciation of classic artists like Neal Adams and Jim Aparo. Moving through the decades that followed, I have a working knowledge of a huge raft of characters with a fondness for old school characters like JSA and The Shadow
Currently reading a slew of Bat Books, enjoying a mini Marvel revival, and the host of The Definative Crusade and Outside the Panels whilst also appearing on No-Prize Podcast on the Undercover Capes Podcast Network
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