Ben 10 #4 Review – Big Bugs Under The Big Top

Ben 10 #4 (Dynamite Comics, 8/5/26): Writer Steven T. Seagle and Robert Carey send Ben, Gwen, and Uncle Max to a circus where the clowns are more freaky than fun. The issue looks and reads like the Ben 10 cartoon, but Ben is irresponsible to the point of obnoxiousness. Verdict: For Ben 10 fans only.

• Writer: Steven T. Seagle
• Artist: Robert Carey
• Colorist: Ren Spiller
• Letterer: Taylor Esposito
• Cover Artist: Robert Carey (cover A)
• Publisher: Dynamite Comics
• Release Date: August 5, 2026
• Comic Rating: Teen
• Cover Price: $4.99
• Page Count: 22
• Format: Single Issue

Covers:

Analysis of Ben 10 #4:

First Impressions:

Meh. Ben 10 #4 looks and feels like a cartoon, which is the overall point. However, to get behind a story with a reluctant hero, you need a central character who isn’t an annoying brat.

Plot Analysis (SPOILERS):

The issue begins with a family attending a circus. The carnival barker for the freak show is a disturbing clown named Zombozo. When the family enters the tent, on Zombozo’s urging, they’re ambushed. At the height of fear, Ben wakes up from a dream where he, in one of his fighting forms, is torn apart by a tentacled monstrosity.

Later, Ben can’t help himself. He transforms into assorted forms during a fight with Gwen, during a bickering session in a market, and during a carnival game. The latter location is his chosen destination when he’s handed a promotional flyer by one of Zombozo’s clowns.

The issue ends with Ben transforming into a giant Mantis to save Max when the latter is mesmerized by Zombozo and led off a cliff.

How is the story in Ben 10 #4?

Steven T. Seagle’s plot is simple and straightforward, as if it were adapted right from a television cartoon. That said, the plot is lacking in two key areas.

First, the plot tries to cram too much into the space allowed, so that no single aspect is developed enough. You’re meant to be scared by what happens to the family in the beginning, but their fate flies by so quickly that it barely registers. No one seems bothered by hulking clowns wandering around and handing out promotional fliers because there isn’t time to get a reaction. Finally, Ben, Max, and Gwen flit from one location to the next with barely a sense of transition or flow.

Second, Ben is childish to the point of obnoxiousness. Yes, he’s just a boy. No, he should not be fully self-aware and mature. But by now, he should know that he’s part of a larger environment where threats can be deadly. Yet, he transforms at the drop of a hat without a care for who might see him or what kind of damage he can cause. There’s a big difference between immature and reckless.

How is the art in Ben 10 #4?

The art is… fine. We’ve crossed paths with Robert Carey’s work in the past, namely on his Jennifer Blood miniseries, and his work here is a significant departure. In other words, it’s a notable improvement from Carey’s Jennifer Blood days. The linework is relatively clean, and the action is well-choreographed.

That said, Carey sometimes struggles with face proportions, where eyes grow suddenly too big or large, and full lips suddenly turn into thin red lines. The art is relatively clean, but the inconsistency in proportions comes off as unsettling in certain panels.

The other inconsistency lies in the coloring. Ren Spiller has a solid grasp of color palette selection and shading, but in some of the fine details, the colors overflow the inks, leading to a blotchy, sloppy look.

Characters

Ben is, unsurprisingly, the central character, and as already noted, he’s a bit of a reckless brat. That’s not to say there aren’t some endearing moments, but on the whole, that boy needs a spanking.

The second lead character in this issue is the introduction of long-standing Ben 10 villain Zombozo. But for a few words and a lot of menacing glares, there isn’t much to him other than his presence.

Originality & Concept Execution

Zombozo isn’t a new character in Ben 10 lore, but his portrayal here leans more heavily into the horror aspects of an evil clown. For parents who might consider giving the comic to their children, Zombozo is a bit too creepy and demonic for younger readers.

So, you can say the creative team successfully delivered an original and far darker take on Zombozo, but it remains to be seen if that’s a good thing.

Pros and Cons

What We Loved

• Zombozo is certainly creepy
• The story feels “cartoonish,” as it should
• Ben’s cliffhanger feels urgent

Room for Improvement

• Ben is an annoying brat
• The art is inconsistent
• The plot is rushed in spots

Art Samples:

The Scorecard:

Writing Quality (Clarity & Pacing): 2.5/4
Art Quality (Execution & Synergy): 2.5/4
Value (Originality & Entertainment): 1/2

Final Thoughts:

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Ben 10 #4 sends Ben, Gwen, and Max to the circus for a good time, but Zombozo promises anything but. Steven T. Seagle’s script has echoes of the cartoon, but it’s too rushed and too unlikable. Plus, the art team’s output is solid, albeit inconsistent.

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