Sirens Gate #4, from Dynamite Comics on 8/30/23, reveals all when Lady Rose explains her origin to Tara and her friends, leading to a shocking revelation about the world we know.
The Details
- Written by: Shannon Maer
- Art by: Shannon Maer
- Colors by: Shannon Maer
- Letters by: Shannon Maer
- Cover art by: Shannon Maer
- Comic Rating: Teen+
- Cover price: $3.99
- Release date: August 30, 2023
Is SIRENS GATE #4 Good?
Shannon Maer’s passion project is back after a 6-month hiatus to continue Tara’s prophetic journey in Sirens Gate #4. No official word was given to explain such a lengthy break after only three issues, but whatever the reason, Maer’s storytelling benefited from the break as this issue may be the best in the series so far in terms of clarity and focus.
When last we left Tara and her mystical friends, Tara survived another attack from werewolves and assassins. The attack forced Tara to unleash a power she didn’t know she had, and Lady Rose took Tara to her mansion for refuge. Now, Tara and her friends gather at Lady Rose’s home where the mistress of the house explains her true nature, Tara’s place in a world-ending prophecy, and a shocking revelation that turns everyone’s worldview upside down.
Shocking is right. Maer drops a bombshell on the readers in Lady Rose’s final scene of the issue. If it means what the bombshell seems to imply, Maer deserves credit for turning a standard horror-themed series into something much bigger in scale and scope.
What’s great about Sirens Gate #4? Admittedly, Maer uses this issue to go into exposition overload. You’re not assailed with walls of text, but the focus is absolutely on explaining what’s happening. Clarity is king, so Maer earns marks for using Sirens Gate #4 to give this series focus, purpose, and direction on a rand scale.
What’s not so great about Sirens Gate #4? Readers will find two obstacles to getting the maximum enjoyment out of Sirens Gate #4. First, the long hiatus and the disjointed storytelling from Maer in the first three issues mean new readers will be somewhat lost, and existing readers will need convincing to come back. All we can do is tell you this issue’s story is a serious step up. The second obstacle lies in the art.
How’s the art? Readers may recognize Maer’s style from his outstanding cover work, but what looks great on a cover, which is generally meant to be a portrait, doesn’t translate as well to internal pages that need dynamics, movement, and energy. There’s no doubt Maer has a great eye for beauty, but his figure work is incredibly stiff and mannequin-like. Some readers may like the posed doll appearance of the characters, but it’s an acquired taste for sure.
Keep scrolling for a closer look at the covers, or Click Here to jump right to the story description with some spoilers.
What’s SIRENS GATE #4 About?
[SPOILERS AHEAD – Click here if you just want the score without spoilers]
Check out our SIRENS GATE #3 review to find out what happened when she released her hidden power.
We begin with Tara waking up after a night of passion with Lady Rose. Michael arrives at the mansion with an unconscious Ravyn, and Lady Rose urges Tara to use her newfound powers to heal Ravyn. Tara’s attempt at healing works, and Lady Rose invites the group into a secret library to reveal many truths.
Lady Rose explains she’s an eons-old sorceress who is tasked with helping bring a powerful prophecy to pass, and Tara is at the heart of that outcome. In reality, Lady Rose is the legendary Cleopatra, and it’s time for their world to be free of demonic oppression. However, their world is not what Tara and her friends thought it was.
We conclude the issue with ancient ceremonies, alleyway interruptions, and the wrong side of the door.
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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SIRENS GATE #4 used the long hiatus to retool the direction and focus of the story with helpful exposition, dire prophecies, and a shocking revelation about our world. Maer’s writing is noticeably better compared to the previous three issues, and the art is consistent with Maer’s style, even if it is an acquired taste.
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