- Written by: Ed Brisson
- Art by: Scott Godlewski
- Colors by: Matt Milla
- Letters by: VC’s Travis Lanham
- Cover art by: Leonard Kirk, Edgar Delgado (cover A)
- Cover price: $3.99
- Release date: November 15, 2023
Alpha Flight #4 finds Guardian coping with the shocking reveal of Nemesis’s identity as the Box Sentinels close in. Meanwhile, Laurent makes a costly decision.
Is Alpha Flight #4 Good?
Ed Brisson’s penultimate issue in the tie-in series to the events of the 2023 Hellfire Gala sets up shocking reveals and high-stakes developments that pull all mutants at risk. That said, the action and big developments take a backseat to the setup for the finale, so the issue isn’t as gripping as it should be for a penultimate issue.
When last we left Alpha Flight, Guardian learned that Nemesis was really his wife, Heather Hudson, and her use of the Onyx Sword was slowly killing her. Now, the team quickly hatches a gambit to avoid exposing Alpha Flight’s true intentions as the Box Sentinels close in. Meanwhile, Laurent foolishly decides to run away without considering his flight away from the shielding protection of Krakoa North risks exposing everyone’s location.
To be fair to Ed Brisson, the plot has momentum, direction, and purpose, so you can’t say “nothing happens.” But the things that happen don’t hit as hard as they should. What’s at stake is Krakoa North, but this issue hasn’t spent much time on the mutants that stay there, so readers can develop sympathy for their situation. The only mutant resident who gets significant page time is Laurent, and we only see him as unhappy with the refugee plan. Consequently, the predictable attack on Krakoa North feels somewhat hollow.
What’s great about Alpha Flight #4? Given the importance of Alpha Flight’s plan and Krakoa’s place at the center of the plan, the attack is a crucial development, even if it lacks emotional weight. Further, Brisson’s plotting, pacing, dialog, and narration are on point.
What’s not so great about Alpha Flight #4? Without that emotional punch, the setup going into the finale feels lackluster. We barely know Laurent, except that he’s a mutant who doesn’t want the safety offered. We don’t know any other mutants in Krakoa North, except in passing. The only strong emotional beat comes from Guardian when he discovers Nemesis is his wife, but by the end of the issue, that moment has passed.
The art is great overall, so there are no complaints about Godwleski’s work. If anything, Godlweski elevates an otherwise so-so script.
About The Reviewer: Gabriel Hernandez is the Publisher & EIC of ComicalOpinions.com, a comics review site dedicated to indie, small, and mid-sized publishers.
Follow @ComicalOpinions on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter
Bits and Pieces
Alpha Flight sets up an uncertain finale with a penultimate issue steeped in tragedy and disastrous outcomes. Godlewski’s art is great, and Brisson’s technical execution is solid, but the story lacks emotional punch or weight, so the setup heading into the finale feels hollow.
Weird Science Marvel Comics 