THE ENFIELD GANG MASSACRE #4, by Image Comics on 11/8/23, escalates the death toll and pulls back the curtain on the mystery responsible for the violence.
The Details
- Written by: Chris Condon
- Art by: Jacob Phillips
- Colors by: Jacob Phillips
- Letters by: Jacob Phillips
- Cover art by: Jacob Phillips
- Comic Rating: Mature
- Cover price: $3.99
- Release date: November 8, 2023
Is THE ENFIELD GANG MASSACRE #4 Good?
This week must be the week for Image to remind readers that death is ugly, bloody, and inglorious because THE ENFIELD GANG MASSACRE #4 is as deadly as it gets. In the previous issue, Chris Condon left a glimmer of hope that the Enfield Gang of survivors might escape. In this issue, Condon buries those faulty assumptions.
When last we left the Enfield Gang, Enfield and a handful of gunmen lured the posse out from their high ground perch with a gambit that led to a hail of bullets and a brief window of opportunity for the elderly, women, and children to escape. Meanwhile, the Sheriff washed his hands of the posse and decided to do some detective work back in town, leading to a clue about Bill Barley’s killer. Now, Enfield and his gunmen find themselves cornered while the second group heads for an outpost and safety. Neither group finds what they’re looking for.
We continually harp on the idea that every comic should have one big idea, a twist or surprise that makes the reading experience memorable. Here, the Sheriff’s investigation leads to a shocking theory that, if true, potentially turns the history of Ambrose County on its ear. Condon delivers that big idea, and it’s a doozy.
What’s great about THE ENFIELD GANG MASSACRE #4? In a tight Western thriller, Condon gives you two riveting plots for the price of one. You get a tense shootout waged over the course of hours on multiple fronts, and you get an intriguing murder mystery, Old West-style. Western fans won’t find any better.
What’s not so great about THE ENFIELD GANG MASSACRE #4? Realistically, there’s nothing not great about this issue beyond the odd nitpick. Sure, the plot feels stretched out, but the pacing similarly brings you along with the action in near real-time, ala Jack Bauer’s 24.
How’s the art? Blistering. This issue has the highest death toll yet, and Jacob Phillips bears witness to every gutshot, shoulder shot, and headshot to make sure you never forget the tragedy of what happened on this day.
Keep scrolling for a closer look at the covers, or Click Here to jump right to the story description with some spoilers.
What’s THE ENFIELD GANG MASSACRE #4 About?
[SPOILERS AHEAD – Click here if you just want the score without spoilers]
Check out our THE ENFIELD GANG MASSACRE #3 review to find out how a big group of the gang managed to escape the posse.
We begin with the Calvary joining Ranger Ely’s posse to take down Enfield and his remaining gunmen. The shooting begins again, forcing Enfield into a nearby barn where he and his men remain trapped. Elsewhere, Mrs. Enfield leads the survivors to a nearby outpost to rest and strategize their next move. Unfortunately, the old man who runs the outpost is dead, and a pair of Mayor Mowbray’s men are waiting.
We conclude the issue with more gunfire, a Sheriff’s discovery, and a lone survivor.
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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THE ENFIELD GANG MASSACRE #4 brings the heat, raises the death toll, and delivers surprises in another thrilling issue. Readers follow along in real-time as the massacre draws closer to an inevitable conclusion, and Phillips’s pulpy art is top-notch.
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