It’s been more than nine months since the last issue of Kirby: Genesis: Dragonsbane, but the final issue has finally arrived. If you’re like me, you’ll probably need to reread the series to refresh your memory before picking this one up. Here’s the official description from Dynamite:

In the thunderous finale of the first story-arc, Sigurd Dragonsbane and his band of champions—comprising the finest warriors from across the many Mythlands—reach the end of their quest. And what they find awaiting them is very different from what they expected…and unimaginably more lethal, as well! Plus: a startling revelation that will alter Dragonsbane’s life forever!

Some series are good enough that they can recover from long delays. A few are so good that delays or hiatuses don’t even cause them to stumble (I’m looking at you, Saga.) Unfortunately, Dragonsbane is not one of those series.

This issue boasts not one, but two twists. The first of these is very predictable and has been drastically overdone at this point. The second is less a twist than it is a reveal, or realization, on Sigurd’s part. It’s not significant enough to call it a surprise, and the actual substance of the reveal is pretty banal. The issue also tries to leave things open for the series to continue, but this feels halfhearted.

There are a couple good points in Robert Rodi and Alex Ross‘s story. One of the guardians of the princess’s tomb bears a striking resemblance to Kamandi, the Last Boy On Earth, who Kirby created for DC. The character in Dragonsbane, who is never really named, is either an homage, or an “uncredited” appearance. The entire battle is pretty good; credit for that, of course, also goes to Fritz Casas.

In fact, Casas’ art for the whole issue is good. Among other things, he produces a top-notch smoke monster. I also want to mention Salvatore Aiala‘s coloring job. The color palettes are simultaneous eye-poppingly bright and pastel hued. They are incredibly vibrant, look great, and are the most visually arresting element of the book.

Was Dragonsbane #4 worth the nearly yearlong wait? In a word, no. The art is generally very good, but the predictable plot and crushing delay mean I’m more than happy that I had already moved on to something else.

 2.5/5