GRIT N GEARS #5, from Blood Moon Comics on 8/16/23, ramps up the chaos as Ranger One intervenes to stop Razorneck from wiping out Steam’s Eddy.
The Details
- Written by: Angel Fuentes
- Art by: Nahuel Sb
- Colors by: Nahuel Sb
- Letters by: Carlos M. Mangual
- Cover art by: Nahuel Sb (cover A)
- Comic Rating: Teen+
- Cover price: $3.99
- Release date: August 16, 2023
Is It Good?
GRIT N GEARS #5, Angel Fuentes’s penultimate issue in the creative steampunk Western series, ramps up the action, violence, twists, turns, and big wow moments heading into the finale next month. If you want robot fighting action with an Old West twist, you’re in for a treat.
When last we left Ranger One, he voluntarily surrendered to Razorneck’s men after Razorneck captured Marcus. Razorneck wants Ranger One to witness Steam’s Eddy’s destruction, starting with the son of his creator. Now, Ranger One breaks his bonds, setting off an all-out brawl to stop Marcus’s execution. And then, Reverand Baker arrives.
If you want rootin’, tootin’, Old West-style shootouts and bar brawls with a robot twist, it doesn’t get any better than this. Fuentes and Sb put their all into packing every page with action to keep your eyeballs glued to the page.
What’s great about this comic? The action choreography and the script work hand in glove to give you the biggest fight possible, encompassing an entire town of automatons, townfolk, and Rev. Baker’s zealots. Better still, Ranger One’s interactions with Razorneck during the fight drop a few more teases about their ability to see and hear the future.
What’s not so great about this comic? The down points of this issue boil down to a minor hiccup and a larger stumble. First, the hiccup. Razorneck and Ranger One’s ability to see the future was intriguing at first, but now the breadcrumbs stick out like a sore thumb. With only one issue left to go, precognition is a pretty big plot point to introduce but never address.
Second, there’s a point in the fight where Razorneck fights Rev. Baker’s automaton while taunting the Reverand to invoke his righteous power. That scene goes on for quite a long time. Too long. Plenty long enough for the Reverand to either flee or pick up a weapon, so the suspension of disbelief falters.
How’s the art? This issue is some of Nahuel Sb’s work. The fight is chaotic, but clean and clear. The battle is packed with flying automaton limbs, townsfolk gunned down in a hail of bullets, and strong dramatic beats when the tide turns (more than once).
Keep scrolling for a closer look at the covers, or Click Here to jump right to the story description with some spoilers.
What’s It About?
[SPOILERS AHEAD – Click here if you just want the score without spoilers]
We begin with the automatons and townsfolk of Steam’s Eddy gathered in the main square as Razorneck prepares to execute Marcus. Ranger One is wrapped in chains, but before Razorneck can pull the trigger, Ranger One breaks free and destroys Razorneck’s rifle. The disruption sparks the entire scene into a chaotic battle.
When Razorneck’s automatons begin to show they have the upper hand, they’re met with big gunfire from above. Rev. Baker’s airship has arrived, and he means to wipe the town clean of all automatons. We conclude the issue with fighting fire with fire, automatons town apart, and a reckoning.
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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GRIT N GEARS #5 is a chaotic, rootin’, tootin’, Old West battle of epic proportions. The fight doesn’t happen for its own sake but furthers the story, and Nahuel Sb’s art is action-packed.
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