By Benjamin Morin — If someone had pitched me Mad Max meets Fifth Element as a comic I would not have believed such a wondrous combination to exist, yet here we are with Tartarus #4. This is the kind of comic that fits right up my alley combining stellar sci-fi action with a deep and enigmatic plot. Now that I have experienced the exceptional series I cannot help but join the chorus of others proclaiming its praises.

Only four issues into this series and writer Johnnie Christmas has done an excellent job at laying intricate groundwork to build upon. This issue is no different as the secrets of Tartarus’ underworld are revealed and our hero’s journey organically evolves in tandem. Christmas accomplishes this through excellent pacing that keeps you turning the page as fast as  you can read it. The issue further develops the rich mythology of Christmas’ world alongside gripping action set pieces, all beautifully conveyed by artist Jack T. Cole’s linework.

Cole’s grungy sci-fi aesthetic perfectly pairs with the narrative and breathes life into it. Breathtaking cityscapes loom in the backgrounds parallel to the incredibly detailed attention paid to each and every panel. Cole’s linework takes facial expressions to their absolute limits as they contort with every emotion on display. The attention to detail is no different when it comes to action. Psychedelic colors shoot off the page as laser cannons blast and lightsaber-esque swords crackle. Each and every panel tells its own unique story and fully engrosses readers into this bizarre world.

In such a well crafted and executed book, it becomes difficult to find anything to criticize. However, when it comes to the dialogue flow I found myself lost from time to time. With a full cast of constantly shifting characters, it can become difficult to tell whose dialogue belongs to who. I found myself slightly confused when it came to narration and some of the more chaotic action scenes. Other than some minor confusion, Tartarus #4 remains an exceptional comic.

As someone unfamiliar with the creative team behind this book, I honestly regret letting this series fly under my radar until now. Christmas and Cole continue to create something wholly unique and entrancing with each issue. I eagerly await the next issue that will conclude this first arc and look forward to following this series as it grows and evolves.

Overall: Tartarus has become my most anticipated comic period. Issue #4 continues the series blending of science-fiction epic with psychedelic art to create a captivating adventure. 9.5/10

Tartarus #4 REVIEW

Tartarus #4
Writer: Johnnie Christmas
Artist: Jack T. Cole
Letterer: Jim Campbell
Publisher: Image Comics
Price: $3.99
“DOGS OF WAR” Family secrets deepen and Tilde must decide if blood is thicker than duty. She won’t have much time to decide as they go up against a faster, stronger, and more deadly enemy that will either bring her and her long-lost brother together or tear them apart. Featuring 26 story pages!
Release Date: July 22, 2020
Buy It Digitally: Tartarus #4

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Benjamin Morin currently studies Journalism/Mass Media at Johnson University. He is a comic book enthusiast and aspiring filmmaker.