HORIZON ZERO DAWN: LIBERATION #4, from Titan Comics on January 5th, 2022, brings the arc to a close with a final confrontation against Korl in the present. Meanwhile, the sad circumstances of Ersa’s death are revealed.
The Details
- Written By: Anne Toole
- Art By: Elmer Damaso
- Colors By: Bryan Valenza, Stelladia
- Letters By: Jim Campbell
- Cover Art By: Pasquale Qualano
- Cover Price: $3.99
- Release Date: January 5, 2022
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Was It Good?
I’m confused. HORIZON ZERO DAWN: LIBERATION #4 is the end of the story. As such, it’s supposed to be the big finale that wraps up all the unanswered questions in a satisfying way, but what we get is an end for one character that’s somewhat satisfying and the end for another that happens off-panel. You get the impression by the end of this that you’re missing something.
We figured out early on in the series that the story was not focused on Aloy and Erend but about the tragic end for Erend’s sister, Ersa. That fits within the “liberation” storyline from the Horizon Zero Dawn video game, so it makes sense that Aloy wouldn’t necessarily be the lead protagonist. However, we’ve struggled to tie the emotional link between Erend’s revenge quest against Korl and the circumstances surrounding Erend’s death. We know Korl isn’t a nice guy, but why does Erend blame Korl for Erend’s death? A death we never actually see in the comic.
Well, this issue finally gets to the bottom of that connection, and to be blunt, it’s a weak one. We’ll cover specifics in the next section if you don’t mind some spoilers, but suffice to say Erend blames Korl by association. On an emotional level, the final reveal is lackluster.
Thankfully, the art is very good in this issue. Once Aloy and Erend finally catch up to Korl, there’s plenty of videogame-esque action for some wow moments that pay an appropriate amount of fan service. The lines are crisp, the colors are bright and engaging, and there’s nothing lackluster about the visuals in this final issue. If you’re into this series as an excuse to get more Aloy in action, there’s plenty to like here.
What’s It About?
[SPOILERS AHEAD – Click here if you just want the score without spoilers]
If you need a refresher on all the trials and tribulations of tracking down Korl, first read our HORIZON ZERO DAWN: LIBERATION #3 review.
We pick up with Erend’s story as he recounts the assault of the combined forces against Meridian. Attacking on multiple fronts, the tide turns from one side to the other more than once. However, fortune favors the Carja and it’s Ersa who strikes the killing blow against the Mad Sun-God.
Back to now, Aloy and Erend finally arrive at a market where they know Korl has come to sell his stolen goods. When they finally reach him, Korl uses a lure to call in some machines to create chaos and cause a distraction so he can get away. However, Erend is undeterred and chases Korl down, and the two begin a hand-to-hand brawl.
Aloy uses her bow to destroy invading machines and Erend beats Korl. But before Korl can be restrained, he sets off a bomb to kill himself and take Erend with him. Fortunately, Erend dives away in time to avoid the blast.
Denied justice, Erend is forced to come to terms with his feelings about Korl’s involvement in Erend’s death. And what was that involvement? When Dervahl was tricked by Ersa into a pit after he was heard making plans to betray the Carja, he remained there for several months, enduring harsh punishment by the guards left to watch over him. Korl eventually found him and helped him out of the pit, and that’s it. After all this, Erend blamed Korl for his sister’s death because he helped Dervahl escape a torture pit, and it was Dervahl that would later kill Ersa. C’est la vie.
Final Thoughts
HORIZON ZERO DAWN: LIBERATION #4 ends the series by wrapping up some threads in a mildly satisfying way and wrapping up others on a flat note. The art is excellent, and the action in this issue gives fans of the video game plenty of fan service, but the build-up to catching the story’s villain ended with a lot to be desired.
Score: 6.5/10
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