Writer: Tini Howard

Art: Ariel Olivetti, Antonio Fabela, VC’s Joe Caramagna, and Jeff Dekal

Price: $3.99

Release Date: July 31st, 2019

Gamora is coming into her own, but as the bond between her and Thanos continues to grow, so does the unrest among the proto-Black Order in this week’s all-new THANOS #4 by Tini Howard. Now, with the threat of mutiny brewing underfoot, what will Thanos do in order to keep his power? Let’s snap into the issue and find out!

WARNING SPOILERS AHEAD!!!

Tini Howard opened the issue with an interesting addition. Present Day Gamora appears to be talking to two people as she’s telling the story. Additionally, one of them emerges from her ship and looks like a child. Is this her child? Is Gamora doing exactly what Thanos did to her but with another little girl? With one issue to go, this reviewer hopes we get the answer to those questions. However, after the first 4 pages, the issue felt a bit flat, unsteady, and impulsive.

Howard didn’t progress the story any further and this reviewer felt like the story may have gone backward. Thanos is still angry that Magus can astral project to him, Young Gamora escapes capture, and then Thanos just leaves her alone on the ship to track down Magus. Furthermore, very little character development was established between Thanos and Gamora, which is the direction this reviewer thought the story was going. What changed in Howard’s approach to the series?

The relationship that was manifesting between Gamora and Thanos has now regressed and become dull. The last issue ended with Thanos portrayed more like an actual father figure. However, after getting his adopted daughter back, Thanos appears to care little about her again and is voluntarily leaving her on the ship in the middle of a mutiny to fend for herself. If Thanos genuinely cared for her, he’d have taken Gamora with him. Or, if Thanos was simply obsessed with Gamora because she can also see Death, the Mad Titan would do a better job of protecting her. However, Howard is now writing Thanos as extraordinarily fickle. This reviewer thought he knew Thanos’ intentions and feelings towards Gamora however it appears as though Howard is also confused.

Furthermore, How is Ebony Maw still alive? Gamora overheard the mutiny and ran to Thanos stating that she was going to divulge Maw’s plan to the Mad Titan. However, after killing everyone but the proto-Black Order, Thanos just packs up and leaves. Seriously? The issue isn’t making sense anymore and Thanos is now being illustrated as a sad, obsessed, fool who could never grow into the Mad Titan capable of the destruction we’ve seen in his future.

FINAL THOUGHTS

Guys, nothing happened this issue. What surfaced as Howard’s direction prior appears to have faded away. Gamora and Thanos’ relationship hasn’t matured any further and the compassion the Mad Titan once had for his adopted daughter doesn’t exist anymore. The issue was inconsistent and Thanos’ behavior was too erratic. With one issue left in the series, this reviewer was expecting more development within the narrative. However, readers left the issue with no new knowledge other than the first 4 pages. Readers may leave the issue disappointed and wanting something more. Let’s hope Howard can stick the landing next month and give fans something unique and interesting that transforms or at least gives insight into the story and the characters.

6.8/10