I don’t want to spoil any surprises for anyone who hasn’t picked up this series yet, perhaps those of you who are waiting for the trade (which will be out next year). But as the series continues towards its climax, a few reveals are inevitable. So, before I go further, let me get this out of the way:

So, as was revealed in issue #3, we know that Cannon Hawke, a supposed Blue/Human ally, is actually working with the Typhos, including helping make it look like their release was all Aspen’s fault. And, as was revealed last issue, billionaire Riley J. Moss is also working with Hawke and The Typhos. Aspen figured that out, using some of the Typhos’ own technology against him, along with faking a fight with Tyler over Moss’ trustworthiness, in order to gain his trust. A very clever fake-out, and testament to the talent of Blake Northcott, for pulling it off.

But don’t worry, there are still plenty of surprising story twists in this issue, which I’ll leave you to read for yourself. Thinking they’ve won, as they hold Aspen and Tyler hostage on one of Moss’ luxury yachts in the middle of the Ocean, Moss and Cannon reveal their real plan and motivation. That includes the real history of both The Blue and The Typhos. I won’t say what it is, but what’s cool about the way Blake writes this is that Cannon is not just black and white evil, he clearly believes in the righteousness of what he’s doing, and as he’s trying to convince Aspen to join him, you can’t help but see that, in some way, he does have a point. So he’s kind of a sympathetic villain, which is often the best kind. And it makes his exposition feel natural, as there is a reason for it, not just being the stereotypical bad guy who spills his plans to the hero for no reason.

Blake keeps the tension building in this story right up to the action-packed conclusion of the issue. And with the gorgeous artwork of Marco Renna, Mark Roslan, and John Starr, this series just keeps getting better!

Chacebook rating: 5 STARS

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