THE TIGER’S TONGUE #4, from Mad Cave Studios on October 19th, 2022, begins and ends the final trial between Aridani and Kelindi for the right to wear the crown. Will cooler heads prevail? Yes and no.
The Details
- Written by: Olivia Stephens
- Art by: Diansakhu Banton-Perry, Bex Glendining
- Colors by: Bex Glendining
- Letters by: Joamette Gil
- Cover art by: Odera Igbokwe
- Cover price: $3.99
- Release date: October 19, 2022
Is It Good?
THE TIGER’S TONGUE #4 brings the trials to a close with a coldhearted tragedy that sets up the finale in this penultimate issue. Olivia Stephens continues to impressively weave together themes of sibling rivalry, jealousy, corruption, and growth into a legend that has more layers than a prize-winning onion at a State Fair.
Stephens’s script is chock full of nuance and complex themes to keep you thinking about every interaction between the two sisters. However, the real highlight is the stellar character development as Aridani and Kelindi steadily grow and change into significantly different people from where they started in issue #1. Submissive and shy Aridani is now confident, assertive, and (after the events of issue #3) lethal. Kelindi is more even-tempered and less arrogant about her powers as she sees the consequences of leading through force. Both characters have grown in radically different directions, making for a compelling character study.
The second highlight of the issue is the brutal outcome of the last trial between the sisters. We won’t spoil it here, but just know that the outcome is quick, decisive, and so sudden, it hits like a hammer. The way the trial ends cements an escalating conflict between the sisters, and it perfectly sets the stage with high impact going into the finale.
The art is fine. Banton-Perry and Glendining are doing their best to deliver a quality set of visuals, but it’s hard to get past the misshapen faces and lack of depth in the panels. Fortunately, Glendining’s colors elevate the art considerably, but the overall appeal is just average.
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What’s It About?
[SPOILERS AHEAD – Click here if you just want the score without spoilers]
Check out our TIGER’S TONGUE #3 review to find out how Aridani achieved ‘Lethal’ status.
We begin with Aridani still in shock after inadvertently killing a protestor with her new powers. Her friends frantically escort her home where they regale the Royal Council with the tale of Aridani’s “bravery.” Kelindi storms into the council chamber and pulls Aridani into a quiet room to confront her about the killing she witnessed. Aridani shows remorse and offers to forfeit the final trial so Kelindi may win and set things right as the new ruler.
Later, the sisters arrive at the final trial – a physical test of one-on-one combat. Just as the fight is about to begin, Aridani raises a white flag of surrender. We conclude the issue with betrayal, losses, and a cold heart.
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Final Thoughts
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THE TIGER’S TONGUE #4 is a hard-hitting episode that cements the new status quo of both sisters and sets the foundation for a potentially epic finale. The character work is outstanding, and the outcome of the final trial is brutal, but the art doesn’t live up to the story.
Related Information
Are all tiger species endangered?
Yes, currently all species and subspecies of tigers are considered Endangered.
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