SOLOMON KANE: THE SERPENT RING #4 – New Comic Review

Solomon Kane: The Serpent Ring #4, by Titan Comics on 7/9/25, plunges our Puritan avenger into a desperate fight for survival, where ancient evils and human treachery intertwine in a brutal dance of death.

Credits:

• Writer: Patrick Zircher
• Artist: Patrick Zircher
• Colorist: Pete Pantazis, Patrick Zircher
• Letterer: Richard Starkings, Tyler Smith
• Cover Artist: Jessica Fong (cover A)
• Publisher: Titan Comics
• Release Date: July 9, 2025
• Comic Rating: Teen
• Cover Price: $4.99
• Page Count: 34
• Format: Single Issue

Covers:

Analysis of SOLOMON KANE: THE SERPENT RING #4:

First Impressions:

From the get-go, this issue hits hard with a visceral intensity that grabs you by the throat and doesn’t let go. The raw, unflinching action and the murky, shadowed artwork immediately set a grim, compelling tone that promises a wild ride into darkness.

Recap:

In Solomon Kane: The Serpent Ring #3, Solomon Kane found himself on a deadly mission in Africa, venturing into the Kingdom of Ndongo in search of the fabled Serpent Ring and its hidden treasure. Along with his companions, he was besieged by warring tribes and monstrous lizard men, battling threats both external and internal. Our hero, Solomon, was depicted as being near death’s door after he was bitten by a venomous snake and abandoned by his party, building anticipation for a must-read finale.

Plot Analysis:

This issue begins with Zarza, Abram Bensaid’s daughter Diamanta, the rogue Nico, and the pirate captain Zarza, confronting the sinister wizard Negari and her forces within the confines of a perilous, ancient temple. Negari, having seemingly captured Abramo Bensaid, reveals her intention to seize the power of the guns from Bensaid’s knowledge of the modern world. A fierce battle erupts immediately, with Kane skillfully catching up to his allies after shaking off the affects of the venom and engaging Negari’s armored cultists and grotesque, lizard creatures. Amidst the chaos, the allies unleash a hail of gunfire, causing a partial collapse that temporarily creates a diversion, allowing Kane and his allies to gain a momentary advantage.

As the fight progresses deeper into the temple, the group encounters more of Negari’s monstrous creations and treacherous traps. Zarza utilizes his agility and knowledge of the temple to guide them through collapsing passages, while Abramo, despite his age, bravely assists in fending off attackers. However, a shocking betrayal occurs when Zarza, driven by his own avarice, attempts to seize the Serpent Ring for himself from the giant statue of Set, turning on Kane and the others. This act of treachery further complicates their already dire situation, forcing Kane to contend with a new, internal threat while still battling Negari’s relentless assault.

The climax of the issue sees Kane directly confronting Negari in a desperate duel of blade against dark magic. Negari unleashes powerful spells, summoning more ethereal creatures and manipulating the very structure of the temple against Kane. Meanwhile, Abramo and Zarza fight to contain the chaos and prevent Negari from fully harnessing the Serpent Ring’s power. Nico, showing uncharacteristic bravery, dies in the battle in a sacrificial act to save Diamanta..

In a dramatic turn, Kane manages to outmaneuver Negari, disrupting her spellcasting and incapacitating him. Negari, who had been a mysterious presence throughout the conflict, reveals a surprising level of agency and knowledge about the Serpent Ring, hinting at a deeper connection to its power than previously revealed. The issue concludes with Negari defeated, but the Serpent Ring’s true nature and vast influence remain a haunting enigma, leaving Solomon Kane and his allies to grapple with the aftermath and the unresolved implications of their victory as they escape the crumbling temple.

Story

The narrative here is a relentless torrent of action and suspense, never letting up on the throttle. Zircher masterfully weaves a tale that feels both classic and fresh, deeply rooted in the pulpy tradition of Robert E. Howard but with a sharp, modern edge. The pacing is absolutely on point, shifting seamlessly from frantic combat to moments of tense exposition, all building to a truly impactful climax. While the overarching mystery of the Serpent Ring continues to unfold, this issue delivers satisfying answers and pushes the characters into uncomfortable, yet compelling, new territory.

Art

Patrick Zircher’s art in this comic is simply phenomenal. Every panel is a masterclass in atmospheric storytelling, drenched in heavy shadows and dynamic lines that make the action leap off the page. His character designs are gritty and realistic, capturing the weariness and determination of Kane and his allies, as well as the grotesque menace of their foes. The creature designs are particularly unsettling, adding a layer of genuine horror to the proceedings. The fight choreography is fluid and impactful, making every blow feel earned and every magical burst visually stunning. This is comic book art at its finest, perfectly complementing the dark fantasy narrative.

Characters

Solomon Kane remains the unwavering moral compass in a world of moral ambiguity, and his stoic resolve is both admirable and a source of compelling internal conflict. His interactions with Abramo, Zarza, and Nico add layers of complexity to the narrative, highlighting the diverse motivations and fractured loyalties within the group. While some characters receive more development than others, their individual struggles and contributions to the main plot are well-defined, making them feel like more than just props in Kane’s journey. Negari, as the primary antagonist, is suitably menacing, and her mystical abilities make her a formidable foe.

Positives

This issue excels in its unwavering commitment to action and adventure, providing a thrill-ride from start to finish. The artwork is consistently breathtaking, creating a truly immersive and atmospheric experience that pulls you deep into the world of Solomon Kane. The character dynamics, while sometimes tense, are incredibly engaging and add a rich emotional undercurrent to the high-stakes narrative. The revelations about the Serpent Ring are genuinely intriguing, leaving you desperate for the next installment.

Negatives

While the story is strong, there are moments where the sheer density of the lore can feel a bit overwhelming, making it a challenge for new readers to fully grasp all the intricacies without prior knowledge. Additionally, some of the supporting characters, while interesting, could benefit from more individual spotlight, as their potential feels slightly untapped amidst the overwhelming presence of Kane himself. The resolution, while satisfying for this arc, also feels a bit abrupt, leaving certain plot threads feeling prematurely tied off.

Art Samples:

Final Thoughts:

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SOLOMON KANE: THE SERPENT RING #4 delivers an absolute knockout punch of dark fantasy adventure, proving that Titan Comics and Patrick Zircher are a force to be reckoned with. With its breathtaking art, pulse-pounding action, and a protagonist as stoic as he is savage, this issue is a must-read for fans of sword-and-sorcery. Despite a few minor stumbles in narrative density, it’s a gripping installment that leaves you hungry for more of Kane’s unholy crusade.

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