HERE COMES CALICO #4, from Sigma Comics on 8/16/23, brings Calico closer to the source of the abused dog video in issue #1 when a rampaging brute steps in to take Calico down.
The Details
- Written by: H. H. German
- Art by: Javier Orabich
- Colors by: Daniel Grimaldi
- Letters by: Javier Orbich
- Cover art by: Garnabiel
- Comic Rating: Mature
- Cover price: $2.99
- Release date: August 16, 2023
Is HERE COMES CALICO #4 Good?
HERE COMES CALICO #4 turns up the suplex surprises, flashback fill-ins, and monstrous wrestling moves for an action-packed albeit uneven entry in the series from H.H. German. Readers interested in knowing more about Calico’s suit and how he got started as a costumed vigilante will want to pick this issue up.
When last we left Calico, he broke up a dog-fighting operation, letting his starved canine friends deliver the killing blow against a cruel ring leader. Now, we learn about the origins of Calico’s super-suit in the past while Calico tracks down the source of the abused dog video from issue #1. His investigation runs afoul of a costumed brute who outmatches Calico on the tale of the tape, but their fight intersects with another brawl in progress for a battle royale of epic proportions.
If you’re hearing about this series for the first time, HERE COMES CALICO #4, and every other issue in the series, is unique in that the proceeds help to fund charities focused on animal rights and stopping animal abuse. Regardless of the final score, readers passionate about protecting animals should consider picking up this series, knowing they’re supporting indie comics and a worthy cause.
What’s great about HERE COMES CALICO #4? German delivers wall-to-wall brawling action when two initially unrelated fights intersect for a massive brawl in the streets. Admittedly, getting to the intersection is a bit clunky, but when the battles join, the issue improves by leaps and bounds. As a bonus, the background behind Calico’s suit and mission is exactly what this series needs to give his mission context and motivation.
What’s not so great about HERE COMES CALICO #4? The same criticism from the previous issue still applies here – the script suffers from disordered thinking. For example, the big brute comes out of nowhere. You don’t know who sent him, what he’s after, or why. Scenes pop up at random with information that may not be relevant, and in some cases, don’t pay off in this issue. The narrative flow feels more like a stream of consciousness, which may work better in a collected trade but feels disorganized when broken up into floppies.
How’s the art? Excellent. Orabich and Grimaldi turn out exceptionally detailed, gritty, and energetic art more in line with the Big 2 in their heyday. This may be an indie comic, but it looks as good as anything you’d get on a mainstream LCS shelf.
Keep scrolling for a closer look at the covers, or Click Here to jump right to the story description with some spoilers.
What’s HERE COMES CALICO #4 About?
[SPOILERS AHEAD – Click here if you just want the score without spoilers]
Check out our HERE COMES CALICO #3 review to find see the bloody consequences of running a dog-fighting ring on Calico’s turf.
We begin with Calico receiving a visit from Sister Sparrows, aka Scout. We learn through flashback that Scout was the agent who first approached Calico with an offer to act as an afield agent to protect abused animals. The suit, the tech, and Calico’s mission all began with a secret organization first established in the name of St. Francis of Assisi.
Now, Calico is hot on the trial of a man recorded abusing a dog in issue #1, and Dogmomma’s research has led him to a meat packing plant that supplies a chain of food processors owned by Dr. Claw. Calico pays the plant owner a visit but leaves him alive to call in his boss.
Meanwhile, two ex-wrestlers get in a scrap on the city streets. We conclude the issue with gangster’s revenge, wrestlers united, and a wrong turn on the parkway.
Keep scrolling for a closer look at preview images of the internal pages, or Click Here to jump right to the score.
Final Thoughts
(Click this link 👇 to order this comic)
HERE COMES CALICO #4 turns up the body slams, fills in the blanks and sets Calico on a collision course with some rough characters. The issue is action-packed, and the backstory information finally gives Calico’s mission some clarity, but the plot feels disorganized and random. That said, the art looks great.
We hope you found this article interesting. Come back for more reviews, previews, and opinions on comics, and don’t forget to follow us on social media:
If you’re interested in this creator’s works, remember to let your Local Comic Shop know to find more of their work for you. They would appreciate the call, and so would we.
Click here to find your Local Comic Shop: www.ComicShopLocator.com
As an Amazon Associate, we earn revenue from qualifying purchases to help fund this site. Links to Blu-Rays, DVDs, Books, Movies, and more contained in this article are affiliate links. Please consider purchasing if you find something interesting, and thank you for your support.