The mystery surrounding the death of the beloved prince Freyal deepens as Phaedra and Pax speak with mermaids. Issue #4 explores Phaedra’s history as Black Cloak excitingly answers some questions while opening up the door for many more in another strong issue.
Throughout issue #4, a feeling of tension continues to build. Kiros feels like a powder keg ready to blow. After a conversation with Renna pushes Phaedra and Pax to think for leads outside the box, the duo ends up conversing with the mermaids, which is no easy task. However, things go awry, and the city begins to turn on the heroes.
The best way to describe Black Cloak is ‘refreshingly-familiar.’ The series is full of elements readers have seen before: the police banter, the partner with a young child at home, the larger-than-life city with its subdivided communities. However, it feels fresh and infused with a new sense of personality and voice.
Image Comics
Writer Kelly Thompson, artist and colorist Meredith McClaren, and letterer Becca Carey are creating a new world in front of readers’ eyes. It can sometimes feel overwhelming, and it’s occasionally easy to mix up who connects to what or who. However, that often doesn’t detract from the story, but rather adds to Kiros’ feeling of vastness and how small our protagonists are.
Like any good murder mystery, Thompson continues to deepen the personal stakes of those involved and the grander impacts on the city. She deftly weaves Phaedra’s personal history into the mystery, and with each new twist, more about the protagonist comes to light, becoming one of the book’s biggest strengths.
None of the characters feel two-dimensional or archetypical. There are moments where you think Phaedra is about to hit us with a cold and brooding cop routine, but almost always, readers get to see a more balanced, funny, and caring side. It’s a welcome change up to the detective character. There is a particular moment in issue #4 where Phaedra opened up in a moment other characters might’ve closed up even more, making for a welcome surprise.
Image Comics
As the mystery unfolds, so does the city around Phaedra. McClaren does a terrific job of bringing Kiros to life. The city feels busy and alive with every character-packed frame. Each area feels visually distinct, and yet connected. McClaren brings a sense of drama to the characters while still making them a bright, visual treat. Colors are a particular highlight as McClaren creates a distinct palette and mood for each location or moment. The art and colors are truly bringing the story’s world to life.
In the same way, Carey creates such distinct voices for the characters. A lot of fun is being had, blending the fantasy types with the tech-style location titles. It makes for a fun blend that helps further the world’s lore. Carey gets to flex in the underwater scene, creating a fun and distinct type for the mermaid language.
Black Cloak #4, and the series as a whole, is nothing short of an incredibly good time. Issue #4 delves further into the mystery surrounding Freyal’s death and its impact on the city while interweaving more of Phaedra’s history. The book continues its engaging investigation story, set in a world you want to get lost in, with characters you don’t want to leave. Black Cloak #4 is another strong installment in the series.
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