Connect with us
Cemetery Beach #4 review: Drumming up more action

Comic Books

Cemetery Beach #4 review: Drumming up more action

This concept is starting to run into the ground.

Cemetery Beach sits at an odd place in Warren Ellis’s recent output. An exceedingly prolific writer, Ellis has consistently popped out cerebral, mythological, and fast-paced stories with the likes of Wild Storm, Injection, and Trees (also with Jason Howard). These stories take their time and withhold action until it bursts out in bloody cacophony. I mention this because Cemetery Beach continues to be an all-out slugfest that’s oddly dissatisfying.

Mike Blackburn continues to run and gun with the roguish help of the aptly named Grace Moody. Unfortunately, they’ve been doing this for every issue with all too brief moments of characterization. Ellis is one of the best writers of dialogue in the medium, so it’s a shame that this series is so focused on same-same action.

Listen to the latest episode of our weekly comics podcast!

I don’t want to fully be the guy who complains one thing is not as good as the other. I’m down for a combat-oriented series. But even visceral thrills are muffled by repetitive action. How many different ways can you stage two people flying and fighting lots of other ships and soldiers? Well, not as many as you’d think, because I’m pretty sure Ellis and Howard have covered everything at this point.

Cemetery Beach #4 review: Drumming up more action
Image Comics

Thankfully, we get more precious moments of worldbuilding. We’re privy to a massive map of the colony, which has delightful areas like “Scabland,” as well as the deranged people of Drum, who tried to revolt years ago and are punished with less food from on high. This motivates them to go after Blackburn and Moody to get more rations. That’s really clever, and I wish there were more nuggets like that.

Another positive is a glimpse at the President and his stooge, The Chief of The Boat (their grammar, not mine). There’s a definite Emperor/Darth Vader vibe going on, especially since Chief is sent out to personally hunt down our pragmatic protagonists.

Howard keeps proving why he was such a great choice for this book. His gritty linework brings the harsh world to grimy, rustic life. Practically every surface looks scuffed and cruelly metallic or concrete. This is a world just waiting for high-speed chases to knock it down. I may not love the mind-numbing action, but it is well laid out and composed on Howard’s part.

Cemetery Beach #4 review: Drumming up more action
Cemetery Beach #4
Is it good?
The concept is strong with this one, but the execution isn’t inventive or thorough enough to excite and fulfill its potential.
Grungy art compliments miserable world.
Much appreciated bits of worldbuilding.
Lacks character development like previous issues.
Too much repetitive action.
6
OK

Join the AIPT Patreon

Want to take our relationship to the next level? Become a patron today to gain access to exclusive perks, such as:

  • ❌ Remove all ads on the website
  • 💬 Join our Discord community, where we chat about the latest news and releases from everything we cover on AIPT
  • 📗 Access to our monthly book club
  • 📦 Get a physical trade paperback shipped to you every month
  • 💥 And more!
Sign up today
Comments

In Case You Missed It

WWE SmackDown preview, full card: March 1, 2024 WWE SmackDown preview, full card: March 1, 2024

WWE SmackDown preview, full card: March 1, 2024

Pro Wrestling

AEW Dynamite preview, full card: February 28, 2024 AEW Dynamite preview, full card: February 28, 2024

AEW Dynamite preview, full card: February 28, 2024

Pro Wrestling

AEW Rampage preview, full card: March 1, 2024 AEW Rampage preview, full card: March 1, 2024

AEW Rampage preview, full card: March 1, 2024

Pro Wrestling

Marvel unveils the new villains Bloodcoven appearing in 'Blood Hunt' Marvel unveils the new villains Bloodcoven appearing in 'Blood Hunt'

Marvel unveils the new villains Bloodcoven appearing in ‘Blood Hunt’

Comic Books

Connect
Newsletter Signup