Soulfire (vol.4) #4 Review


Can the combined might of the mystical arts and man’s own intellect put an end to this global terror?  Read on to find out.

The official description from Aspen:

Possessed by the chaotic spirit of Oris, Grace seems all but unstoppable as her reign of terror storms across the globe. Cities are being destroyed. People are dying. In the Everlands, one of Malikai’s closest friends is facing death from Grace’s violence. Can the combined power of magic and technology save them? And if so, will the result be a miracle…or an abomination?”

When spinning what can only be described as a futuristic fantasy yarn, there are certainly many pitfalls that can attack the work of even the most seasoned creative team.  Thankfully this one is able to keep a solid baring as they slowly march this series toward its next evolutionary step.

The script by J.T. Krul is a precise feature that knows exactly when to dial down the text in order to let the art do its thing.  Because of that the pacing of this comic book from beginning to end is expertly handled as we see devastation and hope within the confines of its pages.  To its detriment not much happens here, as the author gradually builds upon the foundations of the narrative while taking into account where the minds of our protagonist and his allies truly reside.

Mike DeBalfo handles the art and you could not have asked for a more steady hand to deliver the visual spice this saga absolutely requires.  Whether he’s illustrating a conversation or dragons destroying a city, the talent has enough wherewithal to pull off whatever the tale needs done.  There were a couple moments however where faces weren’t as expressive as they should have been but for the most part these instances were few and far between.

Soulfire (vol.4) #4 is yet another excellent installment that continues to see the world brought to its literal knees by magic and monsters.  The creative team works together to deliver something that’s truly special as they easily justify the purchase of this latest release.  Recommended.

4/5

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