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Kamandi Challenge #4 Review

Comic Books

Kamandi Challenge #4 Review

Kamandi Challenge continues this week with James Tynion IV and Carlos D’Anda taking over after Jimmy Palmiotti and Amanda Conner’s great 3rd issue. The challenge in this title refers to the new set of creators getting Kamandi out of the pickle the last issue ended on. No biggy right?

Kamandi Challenge #4 Review
Kamandi Challenge #4
Writer: James Tynion IV
Artist: Carlos D’Anda
Publisher: DC Comics

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So what’s it about?

The official summary reads:

After the jaw-dropping end of the last issue, writer James Tynion IV and artist Carlos D’Anda take us on a high flying adventure. Kamandi’s journey has led him to the wondrous Western Wall—but is he prepared for what lies on the other side?

Why does this book matter?

It’s just fun. It’s a Kirby-style adventure wrapped in lots of action and intrigue. It’s also clever how different art teams were randomly selected to work together, which makes for interesting combos.

Fine, you have my attention. What’s good about it?

Kamandi Challenge #4 Review
So this is the end…

Right off the bat it’s clear D’Anda’s art is very different from previous artists on this series. Opening with a full page splash where we left off, D’Anda draws foreground, mid and background elements that help convey a sense of depth. Then the issue goes into jagged chaotic layouts, which do well to capture the alarming situation Kamandi is in. There are a lot of different types of scenes for him to draw in this one (thanks Tynion IV!) including a scientific lab, a King Kong style giant fight scene, and later a race for their lives. The color by Gabe Eltaeb does well to keep the mood and atmosphere right for each scene and there’s a lot of eye catching color. Speaking of the race, D’Anda draws a killer big wheel racer. It’s a fun way to end the issue and it looks awesome.

Tynion IV gives this issue a level of surprise that suits the series. I can’t say I expected the story to go the way it did and Tynion surprises for sure. Part of the charm of this series is how anything can happen, much like the first issue ending with a bomb about to go off and the second issue revealing there were soldiers inside. There’s also a clever idea about folks adapting in a culture who hates science. Bravo on the good ideas Tynion!

Once again there’s a nice letter at the end from the writer of the previous issue, and this time Jimmy Palmiotti chimes in. This letter does well to tell the reader how important Kamandi was to the Palmiotti, but also the process to join this series.

Kamandi Challenge #4 Review
Or not…

It can’t be perfect can it?

This is fun balls-to-the-wall adventure stuff and not a lot more. Character work isn’t really going on, nor are there any complex character dynamics either. It makes for a bubblegum read that’s quick, but that’s what you’re getting into!

Is It Good?

Another fun installment in what is a fun series. If you love surprises, adventure, and fun read this series!

Kamandi Challenge #4 Review
Kamandi Challenge #4
Is It Good?
Another fun issue that's particularly filled with surprises.
A lot of surprises and scene changes in this one
Sharp art with great color
Interesting idea about scientists adapting to an anti-science world
It's a quick read
9
Great

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