CRUSADER #4, by Mad Cave Studios on 12/13/23, brings the sword & sorcery adventure to a close when the Crusader and the surviving members of the 18 raid the Masters’ stronghold to save Grimbel.
The Details
- Written by: Matt Emmons
- Art by: Andriy Lukin
- Colors by: Andriy Lukin
- Letters by: Andriy Lukin
- Cover art by: Andriy Lukin
- Comic Rating: Teen
- Cover price: $4.99
- Release date: December 13, 2023
Is CRUSADER #4 Good?
Admittedly, we didn’t know how Matt Emmons could wrap up such a large story with only one issue left in the 4-part miniseries, but hats off to Emmons because CRUSADER #4 ties up all the loose threads for a satisfying finale. Emmons mixes action, twists and turns, strong emotional beats, and a tease that more adventures are waiting in the future.
When last we left Crusader, Pilgrim decimated most of Meridian’s 18 and kidnapped Grimbel as bait to entice Crusader to come before the Masters. Now, Crusader and the surviving members of the 18 knowingly walk into the trap to defeat the Masters or die trying.
Emmons deserves praise for wrapping up the plot with nearly all the loose threads getting a proper resolution. That said, there are at least a couple of threads that don’t quite resolve, but they’re left dangling by intention, clearly paving the way for a second volume if the sales warrant.
What’s great about CRUSADER #4? As all action-centric stories should, Emmons brings the story to a close with a climactic battle that also furthers the story through the action. Plus, Crusader’s connection to Grimbel takes a charming turn, and Pilgrim’s end brims with possibilities. In terms of plotting and structure, this is as near a perfect ending as you could hope for.
What’s not so great about CRUSADER #4? The final moment of victory looks great on the page, but Crusader has to make one or two leaps in logic to figure out what to do. For a Templar Knight who has no experience with magical battles, he figured out what to do a little too quickly.
How’s the art? The art is fine. Admittedly, Lukin’s thick, squiggly inks won’t be everyone’s cup of tea, but Lukin expertly presents energy and dynamism in every panel.
Keep scrolling for a closer look at the covers, or Click Here to jump right to the story description with some spoilers.
What’s CRUSADER #4 About?
[SPOILERS AHEAD – Click here if you just want the score without spoilers]
Check out our CRUSADER #3 review to find out what Pilgrim did to the 18.
We begin with Crusader, Meridian and the remaining members of the 18 marching toward the stronghold of the Masters. The land bridge that connects to the shore to the Masters’ tower is lined with blood-red statues of assorted warriors. When the raiding party is nearly across the land bridge, the statues come to life and attack.
Crusader and Meridian race to the stronghold while the rest hold off the statue soldiers. When they reach the top of the stronghold tower, Meridian is blocked by a forcefield while Crusader is urged to step forward by Pilgrim holding Grimbel at knifepoint. The Masters appear in the flesh with an offer to free Grimbel if Crusader becomes their willing servant on this world and his own.
We conclude the issue with a betrayal, a sacrifice, and a reveal.
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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CRUSADER #4 wraps up the sword & sorcery adventure with drama, action, emotion, and the opportunity for more. Emmons deserves all the credit for bringing the expansive story to a close in a single issue that still satisfies, and Lukin’s stylized art projects energy and emotion where it counts.
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