Decorum #4 is out August 19, 2020. — **Decorum #4** is out August 19, 2020.

By Larry Jorash — We see a triumphant return this week to the world-building that writer Jonathan Hickman is known for. As has become a norm with this series, this oversized issue features multiple pages of dazzling art and infographics…before we even reach the narrative. Decorum #4 then takes an eccentric turn and drops us into a cold open sequence, and once again the reader is asked to swim in the deep of this young book’s heavy lore.

Who could read this issue and not comment on the wonderful job done by artist Mike Huddleston? Absolutely brilliant color work is the most notable feature. Various fonts and languages mesh with abstract shapes and structures on the page. We see a flavorful addition as well to dual-page spreads. Minimalism is dosed into these spreads in tasteful flashes. If there is one thing that Decorum has sold people on thus far, it is the muralesque artwork.

Much of the tale told in Decorum #4 is visual and abstract. Dialogue is not abundant and readers would be best served giving themselves a reread of issue #2 for full comprehension. This is not to say that the book is poorly written; but the largest challenge is definitely grasping and learning complexities in a constantly evolving narrative. From an aesthetics standpoint this does work exceptionally well for the tone of the story. Many of our characters themselves move in and out of our pages full of ignorance to their universe and world.

Given how young our story is and how vast the world within it, there does seem to be a lot to look forward to. Foreshadowing abounds, character development is maddeningly dosed, and the art could just as easily be hung in museums without the batting of an eye. There isn’t a whole lot of fresh, new takes these days and Decorum is satisfying.

Overall: Have a day, Mike Huddleston! This book is a prime example of the artist’s talents. Thought and care went into this issue, and the creative team shines. Once again, this story is wildly complex; but there’s a lot to love about this book. The low price-point and hefty page count are also a delightful treat. 8/10

Decorum #4 - REVIEW

Decorum #4
Writer: Jonathan Hickman
Artist: Mike Huddleston
Publisher: Image
Price: $3.99
There are many assassins in the known universe, this is the story of the most well-mannered one. “Good manners is just being respectful of others. Whether they have a bounty or not, you should show respect for all people.”
Release Date: August 19, 2020
Buy It Digitally: Decorum #4

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Larry Jorash resides in Central Florida managing a comic book shop and coaching youth sports. In his spare time he enjoys watching ice hockey and reading. You will almost never find his hand vacant of coffee. Find him on twitter: (@theREALlarbear)