WYND #4, available from BOOM! Studios on September 23rd, find the fleeing quartet desperately trying to get to Northport with the Bandaged man hot on their heels. Written by James Tynion IV with art by Michael Dialynas, Wynd’s latest chapter captures the spirit of a frantic chase and adds in plenty of revelations.
Cover Art
Dialynas’ cover captures the spirit and tone of the issue perfectly. It’s equal parts determination, and fear as the four main characters charge forward into the unknown. Dialynas also handles the internal pages, so the art style is seamless from outside to in, and the emotional expression of the character’s faces add plenty of punch to the gravity of the scene.
Writing
Tynion’s latest chapter follows Wynd and the group as they escape the underground refuge and into the wild. Finally, the questions asked about the nature of magic, and the weirdbloods gets long-awaited answers. Tynion handles those answers in a very natural and organic way for the story.
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This issue has a little bit of everything: heroism, relationship drama, a mild allusion to romance, and fantasy elements. In a nutshell, Tynion’s series has a little something for everyone but presented in a (mostly) family-friendly way without sacrificing the action or dramatic tension.
Pencils/Inks
Dialynas’ art is as responsible for the friendliness of the story as Tynion’s writing by creating weird and yet accessible characters. Finally reaching the woods, Dialynas has the opportunity to spread some creative wings by designing a host of magical creatures, unlike anything this reviewer has seen in recent memory.
In particular, the design of Lady Gwendolyn is frightening but somehow possesses a kindness in her character that makes her instantly likable. I’m looking forward to seeing what magical creations Dialynas comes up with in the next issue.
Coloring
Dialynas’ coloring work adds to the magic of this comic book and sets it apart from the previous three. The people and setting of Pipetown have primarily been depicted in earthy tones of soil and rust. Now that the group has entered the woods, the rainbow of nature’s colors explodes like fireworks on every page in stark contrast to what came before. It’s through this shocking change in color palettes that Dialynas helps the reader feel like they’ve entered a new world.
Lettering
Aditya Bidikar’s lettering consistently helps keep the tone safe with the use of softly rounded fonts. With the arrival of magical creatures, Bidikar adds an element of visual interest by matching the word balloon colors to the general’s mystical eye color. It’s a nice touch that further increases the magical feel of the issue.
Conclusion
WYND #4 takes Wynd and his allies into a whole new world of magic and color that infuses the familiar chase story with elements of wonder. The story has a little something for everyone, and the artwork is whimsical and exciting. I recommend this issue as the strongest of the series so far.
