LEAD CITY #4, from Red 5 Comics on June 22nd, 2022, finds Cooper among the last three contestants in a battle to the death. Will he win or will he fall victim to one of his opponents?
The Details
- Written By: Eric Borden
- Art By: Kyle Brummond
- Colors By: Kyle Brummond
- Letters By: Kyle Brummond
- Cover Art By: Kyle Brummond
- Cover Price: $3.95
- Release Date: June 22, 2022
Was It Good?
LEAD CITY #4 wraps up the arc in a neat albeit bloody little package for Cooper and his family. On the one hand, it’s satisfying to see the father/husband trying to do right by his family and not come across as an inept, bumbling fool who stumbled into a death tournament by happenstance. On the other hand, it’s hard to imagine the outcome of this story turning out any differently, and that lack of surprise lessens the satisfaction factor of the ending.
The high point of this issue, as with the previous issues, is the brutal, no-holds-barred gunplay on display. Barring Cooper, every contestant is a ruthless killer in word and deed. Brummond isn’t afraid to get gory as needed with the art, and Borden planned out the last few battles beautifully. On sheer competition tension alone, this comic is a winner.
The low point in the comic is, again, the lack of surprise in the ending. This is the finale of the series, so this was Borden’s opportunity to pay the arc off with a big finale. While the ending was exciting, you could tell there would only be one outcome. There is no clever twist or surprise or red herring. The story ends exactly as you think it will end, and while the execution isn’t bad, it feels a bit hollow.
High marks go to Brummond for a unique visual style in the action, violence, and gore. Brummond has a unique grasp on anatomy and character poses that feel realistic and grounded yet stylized. You can see Brummond’s attention to detail in the folds of clothing and shadow shapes that make this comic deceptively accurate. We’re looking forward to seeing what else Brummond can do in the future.
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What’s It About?
[SPOILERS AHEAD – Click here if you just want the score without spoilers]
Find out how Cooper managed to become one of the last three in our LEAD CITY #3 review.
We begin mid-cliffhanger with Cooper against Singh, knife against bayonet. The battle is hard-fought, but a well-hidden, double-barreled shotgun puts an end to it. Elsewhere, Hammer nails his latest kills on a rafter as a warning to whoever comes looking for him. Soon, he finds his warning isn’t strong enough to stop a young Mexican lady with a thirst for killing.
The town residents receive word of the latest kills, and new bets are placed in earnest. Cooper’s wife receives a visit from the doctor, inquiring how we might be paid for his services if Cooper dies. She replies firmly that Copper will cover the debt when he returns, emphasizing her faith in her husband.
We conclude the issue with a bloody injury, a merciful offer, and a prayer.
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Final Thoughts
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LEAD CITY #4 is a tense, action-packed, gripping finale to an exceptional Western story. The art is captivating, the writing and plotting are excellent, and the ending feels complete. However, the ending was predictable, so you may come away feeling less than satisfied.
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