BETTIE PAGE (VOL. 6) #4, from Dynamite Comics on 9/27/23, brings the lighthearted, zany adventure to an end when Lisa and Paolo are set up for a prisoner swap with deadly consequences.
The Details
- Written by: Mirka Andolfo, Luca Blengino
- Art by: Elisa Ferrari, Mara Angelilli, Tommaso Ronda
- Colors by: Mauro Gulma, Francesca Vivaldi
- Letters by: Jeff Eckleberry
- Cover art by: Joseph Michael Linsner (cover A)
- Comic Rating: Teen
- Cover price: $3.99
- Release date: September 27, 2023
Is BETTIE PAGE (VOL. 6) #4 Good?
Mirka Andolfo and Luca Blengino bring Bettie Page’s madcap, Italian adventure to an end with danger, thrills, theatrics, and (almost) a happily ever after in BETTIE PAGE (VOL. 6) #4. If you’ve stuck with the series to this point, everything you love about Andolfo and Blengino’s story is on full display.
When last we left Bettie and her lovable pals, a Hitman/Paparazzo used a sniper rifle from a nearby rooftop to take Bettie out in her hotel room. Now, we learn the killing shot was really a close call. With all parties in a stalemate, the heads of the Cosmi and Raviolo crime families arrange a prisoner swap of their respective grandchildren. However, Bettie plans to use Lisa’s looks in a plan that will put an end to this family fight for good.
One oddity you’ll find in this finale is the plot structure. You start with (almost) the end at the beginning, and the rest of the conflict is resolved in a series of flashbacks. Starting with the end can be an intriguing twist, but some readers may feel a lack of dramatic tension since they know how the story is going to turn out. That said, the beginning (which is the ending) is a bit of a red herring, so your patience is rewarded with a surprise or two.
What’s great about BETTIE PAGE (VOL. 6) #4? Blengino and Andolfo’s finale works in two key areas. First, there are a few clever, well-executed twists and turns you may not see coming. Surprises are always positive when done right.
Second, the prevalent air of lighthearted, zany fun sticks with you right to the end. Not every comic has to be grim, mature, and serious, so in LCSs with comic shelves overwrought with darkness, Andolfo and Blengino give readers a welcome respite of light fun.
What’s not so great about BETTIE PAGE (VOL. 6) #4? Starting with the ending and telling the rest of the story in flashbacks is a gamble, and the gamble only pays off if the surprises are impactful. Here, the surprises range from predictable to just okay. For the plot structure to pay off, the surprises needed to be bigger or more meaningful.
How’s the art? Give credit to the art team for their part in creating Bettie’s light, airy, zany adventure. The art style tips mighty close to comic strip cartoons by design, but this is one of the few instances where a cartoony, comic strip style fits and makes sense for the atmosphere and tone of the script.
Keep scrolling for a closer look at the covers, or Click Here to jump right to the story description with some spoilers.
What’s BETTIE PAGE (VOL. 6) #4 About?
[SPOILERS AHEAD – Click here if you just want the score without spoilers]
Check out our BETTIE PAGE (VOL. 6) #3 review to find out how Bettie almost lost her head to an assassin.
We begin with Bettie, Karen, and Ben explaining how Bettie DIDN’T die from a sniper’s bullet. Right before the sniper took his fatal shot, Ben barged into the room with a pizza, and the gory red stuff was really delicious pizza sauce that got between Bettie and the bullet.
Now, the heads of the Cosmi and Raviolo families meet to discuss a resolution, so they agree on a prisoner swap. When Little Bird’s spies catch wind of the exchange, Bettie hatches a plan that uses her looks to Lisa and Paolo’s advantage.
We conclude the issue with a successful swap, a lover’s pact, and a new life in a new world.
Keep scrolling for a closer look at preview images of the internal pages, or Click Here to jump right to the score.
Final Thoughts
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BETTIE PAGE (VOL. 6) #4 brings the Italian adventure to a close when Bettie narrowly escapes death and hatches a plan to save two lovers before their families kill each other. The fun, zany Golden Age of Hollywood-inspired adventure is sunny fun on a dreary day, and the art is a perfect match for the story’s atmosphere.
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