Things are about to get really serious in Zawa + The Belly of the Beast #4, the new issue in the creepy and cute miniseries from Michael Dialynas. We’re talking plots converging, the truth behind the monster that is Zawa, and the hopefulness our heroes have that she won’t break bad. It’s an exciting chapter that brings a lot of excitement and new context.
I’m a sucker for stories within stories, and this one has a great one. It’s an origin story for the island nation where our story is set. Not only does it reveal the kindness of the monster that is Zawa – or maybe she’s a god – but the awful nature of humanity. It helps convey the generations of people that took from the land and then took some more. It’s easy to see the larger message here about treating our planet well and giving back, and it appears Dialynas has subtly crafted a story where nature can fight back.
Along the way, the main villain reveals himself, and Zawa’s duality reveals itself. I’d argue it’s a bit too heavy on exposition when the villain explains things, but Dialynas also shuts him up in a way that conveys, “Yes, you’ve talked long enough!” This issue has a lot of story, speeding the plot along after a slower-paced fourth issue. That pace shift is a bit jarring, though it’s welcome.
Is Zawa friend or foe?
Credit: BOOM!
The lettering continues to be one of my favorite things about this book. Dialynas uses black word balloons to convey the evilness of Zawa’s darker half and uses color and hand-drawn letters to add emphasis. It’s super fun, is easy to read, and should get him an Eisner nomination. Full stop.
It is a delight with Dialynas’ customary imaginative flair. Zawa may not have a nose or even normal pupils, yet Dialynas captures so much emotion in her face. The fact that the beloved cat knocking out a bad guy isn’t the best panel, though very good, should say it all. The art style also shifts cleverly with less detail, as if we’re watching a Disney movie version of the story. There’s also a wicked layer of the Zawa that seems contained by a giant ribcage. Throw in little details like signs and storefronts with creative visuals; there’s a lot to take in.
The penultimate issue of Zawa + The Belly of the Beast satisfies in several ways, setting up a showdown that should be intriguing. How can our heroes stop a monster they only just met? The stakes are high, and Dialynas has set up a can’t-miss finale.
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