- Creator/Writer: H.H. German
- Interior Artist and Letterer: Javier Orabich
- Colorist: Daniel Grimaldi
- Cover Artist: Garnabiel
Thanks to Sigma Comics for the review copy!
Every hero needs an origin story and a villain who puts him or her to the test. This issue provides a little bit of both for Calico. Through three issues, Calico has been a one man wrecking ball, inflicting bloody vengeance against those who hurt animals. While he’s had to work to track them down and catch them, thanks to his boxing background and super suit, he hasn’t really had any difficulty taking them down. That changes with this issue, which departs from the series’ pattern of introducing a new person who deserves some Punisher style retribution and seeing them get it. Instead, we get some insight into how Calico started and perhaps more interestingly, the powers and limitations that come with his suit (which looks a bit like Black Panther’s costume).
Issue four introduces a plethora of new characters, the most interesting being the seemingly invincible foe (that looks a bit like Moon Knight only creepier). I’m curious to see if the series gives him a backstory in its remaining four issues (it’s an 8 issue series). Having someone who is Calico’s equal is a nice break from him always being in control of the situation. This issue really pivots from ‘vengeance of the week’ to a wider comic book world.
Due to its graphic violence, I’ve been recommending parental discretion with Here Comes Calico. This issue of Calico keeps the high level of cursing that has been a hallmark of the series. What this issue lacks is the extreme gory violence (against humans and animals). The fighting is well executed, but it lacks the graphic violence of prior issues. This issue also deserves some praise for creative use of concrete.
Here Comes Calico is a comic with something to say. At its most graphic, it can be hard to read … but that’s the point. I generally recommend starting a limited series at issue 1, and this series is no exception. However, this issue is probably the second best entry point, as it starts to fill in some of Calico’s origins.
HERE COMES CALICO #4 is now available.
Are you going to pick up the issue? Let me know in the comments or on Twitter.
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