WE DON’T KILL SPIDERS #4, from Scout Comics on April 27th, 2022, concludes the arc with a terrifying connection between the town’s malignant witch and a familiar legend. Meanwhile, winning the battle doesn’t end the war.
The Details
- Written By: Joseph Schmalke
- Art By: Joseph Schmalke
- Colors By: Joseph Schmalke
- Letters By: D.C. Hopkins
- Cover Art By: Joseph Schmalke
- Cover Price: $3.99
- Release Date: April 27, 2022
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Was It Good?
WE DON’T KILL SPIDERS #4 finishes the arc as strongly as it starts – with chills, black arts, unholy rites, and a satisfying conclusion that leaves the door wide open to continue more adventures for our Viking detective, Bjorn.
The true killer plaguing the town was revealed in the last issue, but the pleasant surprise awaiting inside is a lengthy flashback describing the killer’s backstory. A backstory that bears a striking resemblance to the legend of Sawney Bean, and if you’re familiar with that legend, you’ll understand this comic goes to some dark places. And that’s why this comic is a success. If you’re going to go dark, truly go for it, and Schmakle does go for it.
If you’re a horror fan, you don’t want safe horror. Pfft! A pox on thee for wanting safe horror, if you do.
But, it’s not all shock and gore. Schmalke constructs a well-paced story with solid character development and an outcome that’s hopeful if not quite a happy ending. So far, Black Caravan is turning out to be one of the consistently best horror imprints among small- to mid-size publishers right now, and this title is no exception.
We’d be remiss if we didn’t mention Schmalke pulls double-duty as the artist. While the art isn’t the cleanest or most detailed art by any stretch, Schmalke uses shadows effectively and nails what matters most in intimate horror – emotion.
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]
It’s been a while since the last issue, so catch up on the cliffhanger by reading our WE DON’T KILL SPIDERS #3 review.
We begin with a flashback to Trove’s younger years. Her family, penniless and starving, resorted to luring wayward men into their cave home and slaughtering them for food. The family of cannibals was soon discovered and killed rather than captured. Trove did not resist capture, and she was soon sentenced to die for her crimes.
While she awaited execution in prison, a cellmate, a true witch, taught Trove the black arts in service to the Black Goat of the Wood. Trove learned enough magic to seek out others like her, and before her execution could be carried out, a Viking raiding party stormed the village. Trove was freed but taken back to her current village to be the thrall of the Jarl.
Now, Trove’s deception and murderous plans are clear, and we pick up with Trove holding a knife to Revna’s throat while Bjorn stands powerless to stop her. Although Revna’s connection to the Spider Queen is broken, she now knows the power remains within her. We conclude the issue with a witch against witch against werewolf battle, a hollow reward, and a bitter taste of things to come.
Keep scrolling for a closer look at preview images of the internal pages, or Click Here to jump right to the score.
Final Thoughts
WE DON’T KILL SPIDERS #4 is as good a horror comic as you could hope for from a small publisher. The character work is excellent. The horror elements are positively black with evil, and the art captures a grim sense of dread to complement the writing.
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