Kick-Ass #4 by Mark Millar, John Romita Jr., Peter Steigerwald, and John Workman explodes with what is basically one long action-scene that ends in a hell of a cliffhanger.
Kick-Ass #4
Written by: Mark Millar
Art by: John Romita Jr.
Colors and Digital Inks by: Peter Steigerwald
Letters by: John Workman
Kick-Ass Created by: Mark Millar & John Romita Jr.
Patience is trapped while trying to bust a local gang operation and save an innocent man from torture. Surrounded by gangsters, armed with only her wits and combat training, she must fight her way out and get back to her family. With Violencia now hunting her, desperate for revenge, how long before the villains find out who’s under the mask?
Writing
The greatest thing about this issue is the relentless pace. Millar has written what is essentially one long action scene (think John Woo movies) that also allows for some great character development for Patience because of the excellent interior narrative we are getting as well. As everything turns to shit in minutes, Patience’s military mind goes to work and we see that there is much more in her arsenal that billy club and fists. Her keen mind saves her and it’s wonderful to watch.
There is a great moment at the end where the collision between Patience’s family life and her mission as Kick-Ass takes a deadly turn. No spoilers here. Go read it!
Art
Brutal beatdowns and car chases are the highlights on these fantastic pages. Romita Jr. changes up the panel and layouts a bit this issue, incorporating some smaller panels and panel sequences to create speed and the result works great. The whole issue feels chaotic, loud and fast. It’s experienced rather than read.
There is also some amazing coloring and inks that add a layer of atmosphere to the action, especially the scenes with explosions and spreading fire.
Conclusion
Each issue of Kick-Ass has left the reader wanting more and issue #4 is no different. This continues to be a series that is just plain a pleasure to read.
