Gehenna’s path has never been quiet. From that explosive first issue of Naked Aggression where she charged through close-quarters chaos with a kidnapped kid trailing behind and made every gunfight feel like a dance of carnage, to issue #3, in which she squared off against Public Defender in a gritty, brutal slugfest that ratcheted up both the stakes and the momentum, this series has lived for the fight. Now, as we arrive at Gehenna: Naked Aggression #4, the miniseries finale promises to take no prisoners: multiple hired killers are stalking her across Chicago, and with bullets, blades, and bare knuckles on the table, it seems the only way out is a final showdown in every form.
A lot takes place in this fourth issue in order to reach a cliffhanger worthy of more story to tell. It all opens where we left off, as Gehenna and the boy enter a biker bar to refuel on weapons. The bikers don’t know that, and assume she’s a tweaker with a good boy. She uses their stupidity and horniness to their advantage, leading to a quick but well-choreographed fight.
Meanwhile, Isa is also refueling for the next leg of this chase as she takes charge. There’s some conflict here amongst the goons she’s ordering around, leading to some speed bumps for Gehenna in the final act.
Time to kick ass.
Credit: Image
Artist Maurizio Rosenzweig keeps the action interesting and varied, complete with a fight sequence told via the reflection of the Chicago bean, aka the Cloud Gate. It’s a neat page that adds a little something extra. The final hand-to-hand combat sequence is great, while Patrick Kindlon’s captions make you realize that Gehenna is very human and more than willing to give up her invincibility streak. Throw in the fact that the kid is in grave danger, and the creative team does a great job making you think this could be the end.
Speaking of endings, this issue has a minor issue with wrapping things up in convenient details that seem last-minute, which keeps the story going. Given the nature of comics and their fickle sales, it’s understandable. Throw in the final page not wowing too much, and it limps a bit to its end, even if I do want more.
Gehenna: Naked Aggression #4 delivers on the promise of visceral, stylish violence with creative choreography and sharp character beats, but its finale stumbles slightly with convenient wrap-ups and a less-than-thunderous final page. Still, it leaves enough on the table to make you want more from Gehenna’s bloody journey.
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