THE LAST SESSION #4 – Review

THE LAST SESSION #4, from Mad Cave Studios on March 30th, 2022, explores the aftermath of the group’s resistance to Cass in the game when it’s revealed her unorthodox approach might have saved them.

The Details

• Written By: Jasmine Walls
• Art By: DOZERDRAWS
• Colors By: DOZERDRAWS
• Letters By: Micah Myers
• Cover Art By: DOZERDRAWS
• Cover Price: $3.99
• Release Date: March 30, 2022

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Was It Good?

THE LAST SESSION #4 is possibly the strongest issue in the arc so far. Why? Because it fulfills the implied promise of the series by blending the real-world characters with their game avatars for a story experience that hits on multiple levels. That’s not to say the arc has been bad up to this point, but the novelty of the concept – friends reconnecting through a fantasy world – has taken a backseat throughout this arc in favor of slice-of-life drama with middle-school levels of maturity. Now, we get a more balanced mixture of fantasy and reality for a more intriguing issue.

Walls does a solid job of beginning the issue with the aftermath of the last issue’s cliffhanger conflict where the players leave Cass behind, literally and figuratively. Jay’s reactions to Cass’s mistreatment are portrayed authentically, and you can feel a genuine sense of hurt/remorse when Walls introduces flashbacks to clarify the foundation of Jay’s relationship with Lana. Lana’s reactions are rooted in jealousy but there’s more to it than that, and this is the first issue where you can feel a genuine sense of empathy for Lana.

Around the midway point, the issue transitions almost completely into the game, and that’s where Walls’s concept truly shines. The characters are themselves but more free and intentional. The dialog has quite a bit of humor that lands. And, the characters come to realizations about their behavior, both in-game and in real life, that opens their eyes to what the game should have been. Again, this is the issue that fully embodies the novelty of the original concept and we have high expectations for Wells to stick the landing in the finale next month.

Regarding the art, DOZERDRAWS has turned out consistently good work in this arc, and the same holds true for this issue. Admittedly, the character designs are cartoonish, but it suits the nature and tone of the story Walls is telling. The characters are emotionally expressive, the battle scene in the last half of the book is energetic with a hint of comedy. And, the overall visual mood is pleasant.

Keep scrolling for a closer look at the covers, or Click Here to jump right to the story description with some spoilers.

What’s It About?

[SPOILERS AHEAD – Click here if you just want the score without spoilers]

If you’re unsure why Cass is in tears and Jay is mad at everyone, first read our THE LAST SESSION #3 review.

After the gang left Cass alone in the game, she decides to leave the apartment to get some fresh air. Jay is incensed at how everyone is treating Cass, but they all decide to move forward with the campaign after Jay calls Cass and she encourages them to keep going.

Through flashbacks, we see Lana had a tough time in High School due to her weight, but it was through the support of her gaming group that she felt validated and appreciated. Jay was a big part of Lana’s support, and it becomes clear that Cass’s presence led Lana to feel separated from Jay’s support.

In the game, the group soldiers on. They arrive at the Necromancer’s inner sanctum where they finally learn their final challenge isn’t a necromancer at all. We conclude the issue with a newfound appreciation for Cass’s notes, a mission reversal, and a new challenge with a ticking clock.

Keep scrolling for a closer look at preview images of the internal pages, or Click Here to jump right to the score.

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