“Ragnarok”-Part 4
Writer: Jeff Lemire
Artists: Diego Olortegui
Color Artist: Luis Guerrero
Letterer: Steve Wands
Review by Kendra Smart
Justice Society of America: Ragnarok #4 is upon us and wastes no time getting into the good…bad side of things. There is barely what one would call banter as the timelines move forward and we are getting a clearer vision of what the Injustice League has planned for the utter dismantlement of the Justice Society of America. But first, a few words about the cover for Justice Society of America: Ragnarok #4.
Cully Hamner does a masterful job of portraying the fear of Doc Mid-Nite in the Shadow of Solomon Grundy. It really helps add even more tension to the Jeff Lemire storyline because it reminds readers immediately of the peril. The danger and malice can be felt emanating from the paper and it sets readers directly back on track with where the path was leading. So, let’s dive in.
There Is Not A Soul Dead Or Alive…
Doc Mid-Nite begins Justice Society of America: Ragnarok #4 by getting free from Solomon Grundy and trying to fight, sneak, and safely find a way out of the captivity of the Injustice League. As she makes her way she pieces together that not only has the league been infiltrated, she knows who the fraud is. Obsidian has been body swapped and priority becomes warning her fellow team members before it is too late. Fate is on her side in more ways than one as she overhears plans that involve the totems that are attributed to heroes currently facing peril. Hawkman, Doctor Fate, and even Starman have targets on their backs…but why?
Meanwhile, the real Todd Rice finally makes a feature. Getting his perspective from where he has been during this time. Existing in a created world of induced sleeping, the loss of time and place has definitely taken a toll on the hero. Finding freedom is a fleeting emotion as even the relief of finding Jakeem in the twisting hospital hallways and rooms doesn’t provide relief. Someone has the power to halt Jakeem and Johnny Thunderbolt from merging…but who?
…That Jim Craddock Cannot Find Sir.
Jeff Lemire is leading readers down interesting pathways as Justice Society of America: Ragnarok #4 unfolds. There is a moment of hope as Beth Chapel finds Obsidian under the mutated and bastardized technology of Ted Knight, a sight that fills her with fear. Hope that is shattered and stomped, brutally in fact. Scandal Savage lives up to her name and Diego Olortegui with Luis Guerrero gives no mercy along with their artwork as the scene plays out.
Justice Society of America: Ragnarok #4 is hard hitting in more ways than one as the plan of the Injustice Society is unfolding. All the pathways are converging. It seems that the fractured team is being tested and there are direct reasons for each of the coordinated attacks. The tension is mounting and every move is beginning to feel dire.
Conclusion
Justice Society of America: Ragnarok #4 is a pure movement of an unfolding story. It is a wonderful show of how a story can be moved forward quickly but not overload or become confusing. Peril is the name of the game, look forward to seeing you next issue friends.
Images Provided Courtesy Of DC Entertainment.
