Ain’t No Grave #4 is written by Skottie Young and published by Image Comics. Artwork is by Jorge Corona, Colouring by Jean-Francois Beaulieu and letters by Nate Piekos.
Ain’t No Grave #4 is available now, in print and on digital, where all good comic books are sold. Grab your digital copy from Amazon Comixology UK right here.
Synopsis
Ryder washes up on the shores of an abandoned mine and finds herself buried under her past, present, and future in this hauntingly loud silent issue.
Review
In “Depression”, the fourth chapter of the Ain’t No Grave series, we encounter our protagonist, Ryder, in a state of deep despair. This second-to-last issue brings with it the excitement of the penultimate step before the story’s climax. Ryder’s journey, although at times tedious, has been an epic venture into meeting death itself. This chapter masterfully illustrates the concept of “gambling your life away”, capturing the essence of Ryder’s struggle without the need for dialogue.
Ain’t No Grave #4 conveys everything it intends to, relying solely on its artwork to tell the story. The absence of dialogue throughout this issue is a bold choice, imposing a significant challenge, yet it is executed with finesse. The art, dark, twisted, and surreal, not only complements the narrative but also reveals aspects of Ryder’s personality. Despite her adversity, hints of her stubbornness, wit, and sharp character shine through, adding great depth and texture to her portrayal.
The spotlight in this issue falls on the art team, artist Jorge Corona, and colourist Jean-Francois Beaulieu, whose contributions across the series have been nothing short of spectacular. Their unique, darkly fantastical take on the Wild West has significantly enhanced the storytelling, giving the narrative its weight and power. I also think they did a great job of underscoring the emotion of Ryder. As a character, she is dealing with a lot of complex emotions, not all of which are present in the dialogue, so the art really elevates Ryder’s story and takes it to the next level.
Verdict
Concluding, as we eagerly anticipate the series finale in September, I can’t help but recommend catching up on issues 1 through 4 if you haven’t already. “Ain’t No Grave” has been an outstanding journey, marked by its compelling narrative, magical undertones, and sheer inventiveness. It stands as a must-read series, consistently delivering quality storytelling that both delights and surprises its audience. As the climax draws near, the series promises an unforgettable conclusion. Trust me, you won’t want to miss what comes next.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
