Smallville: Chaos #4 Review

Written by: Bryan Q. Miller
Art by: Daniel HDR, Agustin Padilla
Cover Price: $0.99
Release Date: June 27, 2014

Black, Yellow and Gold

Last month's issue of Chaos was one of the best issues I've read in a real long time.  Three (yes, three) awesome cliffhangers can do that sort of thing.  Of course, that sort of awesomeness is a hard act to follow, especially in a weekly book.  Remember, these issues are eventually collected into a print version so there is a bit of ebb and flow that you get used to as a fan.  This week turns up the grim and dismal level to eleven.  It's a turn I didn't see coming, but definitely raises the tension and the stakes quite a bit.



Last week, we learned a cool secret behind the black gem.  This week we get some reaction to the emergency, but not much more.  Of the three stories going on, this is my least favorite.  Don't get me wrong, it's pretty cool, but it's got some stiff competition.  Like...

Superman and Lois are still dealing with trouble on an unspecified Earth.  Manhunters, Monitors and alt-Lois, oh my.  This Earth may have seemed hopeless and depressing before, but nothing prepared me for what happened this issue.  I'm not sure how fans of the series will react.  I'm still not sure how I feel.

Last week, Lex Luthor showed us his true color and this week we learn a bit of his plan.  It's still shrouded in mystery, but Michael Holt and Ted Kord seem to be a part of it.  If they agree to be, that is.  It's not the usual evil in a fun way Lex.  No, he really means business here.

The book then ends with one of the funniest and great characters in the Smallville Universe, but even he looks a little more serious then we're used to.  This issue may be darker than usual, but I can't wait to see what happens next week.

Daniel HDR and Agustin Padilla continue making everything look great and We also get an awesome new Cat Staggs cover.  That equals a book that looks as good as the writing that propels it.

Bits and Pieces:

Last issue is a hard act to follow, but Bryan Q. Miller turns up the grim factor to give us something a bit different for this series.  This issue sets up some interesting events in the near future and everything looks good from the front cover to everything inside.  I hate to say it, but I think this issue will read better in the collected work, but get it digitally as well.  Why?  Because I said so.

7.9/10