Harvest #4 Review


With one issue to go in the mini-series, Harvest #4 moves everything forward. Equal parts, plot, tension and suspense, with a splash of dark humor, Harvest is set for an engaging and thrilling conclusion. Of course, not everything goes to plan. The series has proved unpredictable at times; which is, in many ways, one of its biggest strengths.

The official description from Image:

Livers, kidney and lungs oh my! Dr. Benjamin Crane is up to his elbows in blood and guts (literally) when Jason Craven finally tracks him down. Ben grabs the kidney he’s repossessed only to learn that Craven is far more sadistic and vindictive then Ben ever imagined when it comes to protecting his empire.

This issue moves on from the beginning of the series. Whilst the long flashback through Ben’s life has certainly been engaging, thrilling and insightful, its the return to the present that really shows the tension and excitement of the title.

Now that we, the audience, have grown to appreciate the character, the plot takes on new life. There’s been a certain amount of redemption thrown into Harvest, and this starts to pay off now. More than just the patients in the black organ market, Harvest adds the personal depths of Dr. Benjamin Crane. Whilst he drinks (amongst other things), his moral guidance makes him the closest thing to a hero in the title.

Of course, as with everything in Harvest, there is a price to pay. This issue shows a little more of the twisted world shown previously. Like any good penultimate issue, Harvest #4 isn’t prone to leaving on one hell of a cliff hanger, too. Not that its a title that’s ever had any trouble keeping my interest.

As for the artwork, the staple standard continues here. Its a very dark title, both in terms of thematic issues and palette choices. Yet its one that works. There’s a strong, moody atmosphere, and the occasional white colors of a sterile surgery room contrasts greatly with the dark and emotive locations depicted elsewhere here. It suits both the titles content and thematic issues perfectly.

All of this, and I haven’t even mentioned the creepy kid. Funny and disturbing all at once, he exemplifies many of the titles greatest strengths. With only one issue to go, I’m certainly interested to see how everything is wrapped up; Harvest doesn’t strike me as a world full of happy endings.

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