DCU Comic Book Reviews

FINAL CRISIS: REVELATIONS #4

Part Four

January 2009

Written by Greg Rucka

Pencils by Philip Tan

Inks by Jonathan Glapion

Covers by Philip Tan

Synopsis

With the Spear of Destiny, Vandal Savage (as the embodiment of the biblical Cain), separates Crispus Allen as the host body for the Spectre.  The Spectre his now his slave.  Vandal Savage then decides to kill Renee Montoya (aka the Question) for disobeying him, but for some reason the Spear has not effect on her.  So, Savage decides to impale her with it, when the Huntress arrives to save her.  When Savage orders his loyal followers to kill them all, Radiant takes them inside a nearby church for protection.  As Renee and the Huntress debate what to do next, Radiant steps aside to confront Savage, who then orders the Spectre to recite the anti-life equation, which spreads throughout the world.  When the Spectre finishes, Savage tells them all evil has won. 

Review by Binkley (e-mail)

I should state right up front that I really do like this series and I liked this issue, but I think I should mention that not much happens here.  Rucka advances the story and examines the heart of what it means for evil to win, but the plot doesn’t move forward that much.  This issue feels like it is in a holding pattern, waiting until the final issue before resolving all of the conflicts.  Essentially, Cain has beaten down the Spectre, which we saw the end of the last issue and still see at the end of this issue.  The stuff inbetween, with the group going to the church and Cain enjoying the spoils of victory, are placeholders until the heroes get set to battle Cain once more.  Having said that, I still enjoyed this issue.  Rucka is a good writer and the exploration of religion and the debates amongst the characters are thoughtful and engaging.  While Morrison takes the approach of evil winning in terms of the heroes, Rucka’s examination of what it means for the ultimate being of Good is thought provoking.  It is good stuff. 

The appearance of Huntress, at first, seemed odd, until I realized that she was a devout Catholic and therefore fit in perfectly with the situation.  It was a good choice from Rucka and it works well enough, although I do have to wonder how she managed to avoid being caught by the anti-life equation.  Her appearance was also perfectly timed, but I’ll give Rucka a pass because her arrival was a pretty dramatic entrance; sometimes it just can’t be helped. 

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