UNDER THE INFLUENCE #5, by Mad Cave Studios on 11/29/23, brings the Influencer Cult thriller to a close when Cara must find a way to stop Paul before more people die.
The Details
- Written by: Eliot Rahal
- Art by: Stefano Simeone
- Colors by: Stefano Simeone
- Letters by: Frank Cvetkovic
- Cover art by: Stefano Simeone
- Comic Rating: Mature
- Cover price: $4.99
- Release date: November 29, 2023
Is UNDER THE INFLUENCE #5 Good?
Eliot Rahal’s socially relevant take on cults and the dangers they can manifest comes to a close in UNDER THE INFLUENCE #5. As with the rest of the series, Rahal’s resolution to Agent Cole’s case is cleverly complete but leaves the possibility open for more exploration.
When last we left Agent Cara Cole and the investigation into the Hot Dog Party, Paul issued a video resigning as the group’s leader, which provided the perfect cover to absolve himself of all responsibility for the mayhem that would follow. Secretly, Paul’s direct message to Michael led to the latter’s suicide as a martyr for the “cause.” Now, Agent Cole comes up with a risky plan to quell the HDP’s riotous actions and bring Paul to justice as a sociopathic cult leader.
Rahal’s central premise about Influencers evolving into the technologically-modern versions of archetypal cult leaders continues to be a point of fascination for just how uncomfortably close to reality this fiction may be. Regardless of the outcome, this series acts as a stark reminder that total acceptance of Influencer Culture has the potential for danger.
What’s great about UNDER THE INFLUENCE #5? The best endings are tough endings. Rahal crafts an ending that’s very far from neat, tidy, or happy, but it is satisfying from a certain point of view. If nothing else, Agent Cole’s case is the latest in a series of potential cautionary tales that could be explored in follow-up volumes.
What’s not so great about UNDER THE INFLUENCE #5? The resolution to Paul’s exploits makes sense, but it happens a little too quickly. You get the impression a few more pages would have helped to make the conclusion about Paul’s exploits more believable.
How’s the art? Stefano Simeone has the opportunity to show off a little more action art in this issue when Paul goes on the run. Simeone’s exaggerated anatomy style may not suit readers with traditional comic tastes, but it suits the story and Rahal’s intended atmosphere.
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What’s UNDER THE INFLUENCE #5 About?
[SPOILERS AHEAD – Click here if you just want the score without spoilers]
Check out our UNDER THE INFLUENCE #4 review to find out what Paul did to manipulate the rioters.
We begin with Agent Cole receiving the news that she’s off the case. The situation has spiraled out of control, and the FBI needs to cut its losses. Cara makes a plea to try one more thing to quash the HDP’s mood and bring Paul in.
Later, Cara arranges a private meeting with Charlotte to expose her real job as an undercover agent. Charlotte is enraged at the deception, but she eventually agrees to help Cara when she learns about Paul’s deceptions.
Later, Cara visits Paul as he packs to leave town and offers him a chance to turn himself in. We conclude the issue with going viral, biting the hand that feeds you, and an NDA.
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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UNDER THE INFLUENCE #5 concludes the uncomfortably real mini-series about Influencer Culture turned deadly. Rahal crafts a thought-provoking and messy (in a good way) ending, and Simeone’s stylish art suits the culturally relevant atmosphere of the story.
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