By Keigen Rea — When Kieron Gillen talks about first issues, he talks about this idea, “first thing, second thing,” which is the idea that readers have to know something about the book before they read it (first thing), and they will learn something core to the series within the first issue (second thing). It’s a way to surprise readers and a way to Telegraph the future of the series in one motion. It’s something that I think Stillwater #1 did exceptionally well.

The secret of Stillwater was not kept from readers, on the contrary, it was one of the first things I knew about the series. It’s in the solicit! The ”second thing” is his mom from Stillwater. All of this is to say, Stillwater #4 reveals something so important that it feels like a “third thing.”

Soooo yeah. Stillwater is gonna be a slightly different thing, and I’m super on board!

Besides the ending, the issue also focuses on reveals to other mysteries that have popped up so far, which, of course, also feeds into other or new mysteries. It’s interesting that so much of this issue is focused on revealing stuff when we’re (seemingly) fairly early in the series, but I am happy to already be getting answers. Sure, the mysteries could be milked for more time and content, but this feels like less of a mystery box this way, and I’m excited for how it pushes the plot forward in the future.

The art of this issue doesn’t quite hit the highs of previous issues, but there are still a couple of standout moments. There’s a scene in the judge’s chamber that is eerie for a lot of good reasons, and is gonna be one of my new favorite examples of visual and environmental storytelling. I’m also a big fan of anytime a visual story has big locaps or dates sprawled across the page or screen, and this issue has that, so I’m happy.

Maybe more notable is colorist Mike Spicer who does...okay work here. Typically he’s someone who I can point to as doing wonderful work in the industry, but because of necessity he’s a bit limited here. It isn’t bad or poorly done by any means, but the majority of the comic is a bit dull. Which on one hand, is actually a good storytelling decision! It is purposefully evoking feelings and is effective. On the other hand: it’s dull!

Still, the series is one of my favorites, and continues to be as it nears the first arc finale. Thankfully, the book being at Skybound means there shouldn’t even be a gap, so I can keep enjoying this book monthly!

Overall: As long as this book is being published I’ll be reading it, and hopefully I’ll be reviewing it too! If you aren’t reading monthly, start searching solicits for the first trade, because this is a series I highly recommend! 9/10

REVIEW: Stillwater #4

Stillwater #4
Writer: Chip Zdarsky
Artist: Ramón K. Perez
Colorist: Mike Spicer
Letterer: Rus Wooton
Publisher: Image/Skybound
Price: $3.99
In the town of Stillwater, the Judge’s word is law. But what does the law mean when the townspeople decide they’ve had enough?
Release Date: December 16, 2020
Buy It Digitally: Stillwater #4