Comic Review: Little Bird #4

Little Bird #4

Image Comics

Writer: Darcy Van Poelgeest

Artists: Iam Bertram and Matt Hollingsworth

Little Bird #4 is the penultimate issue of one of the best comics of 2019. As we head for the finale, answers begin to flow and the complete picture begins to take shape. This is the point in the story where, oftentimes, things begin to fall apart. That’s not the case with Little Bird. It’s clear that this story was fully fleshed out from the start and doesn’t miss a beat.

Ian Bertram is consistently putting out the best looking book on the stands. With each issue, he adds layers upon layers of depth to the storytelling, the likes of which would be impossible without such a clear focus and vision. He never fails to both amaze and disturb. This issue in particular ramps things up in terms of horrific imagery. There are panels and pages in here that sent literal chills down my spine, and that I can recall vividly even now.  However, Bertram never lets you forget that underneath the darkness of this world, there’s something beautiful worth saving. 

As this is the penultimate issue, much of it is stage-setting for the finale. To be clear, stage-setting is not code for “filler.” Like each issue before it, not a single page or panel is unnecessary. Each one pushes the story forward, but this one is very character heavy as opposed to the plot-heavy previous issue. It’s not more or less enjoyable, but it’s a noticeable and welcome difference. Granted, it’s not as if there’s no plot progression. Both the beginning and the ending are huge turning points. The kind of twists that leave your mouth agape, wondering what the final issue is even supposed to be about. Based on the ending, I suspect it will be largely focused on one character’s journey, but at this point, it’s all up in the air. That feeling of not knowing is as rare as it is refreshing.

This book is one that’s most rewarding when you take the time to understand it. The first time I read the issue, I felt like I missed some things. This is a dense book, and it requires you to follow closely. After the initial read, I felt compelled to re-read the previous three issues. Issue 4 becomes much more clear and devastating with the other issues freshly in mind. This is partially due to its subtle visual callbacks and clues that wind up creating a more satisfying experience. It’s the kind of thing you have to make an effort to grasp while reading monthly but will make it infinitely better to pick off the shelf ten years from now.

Each issue of Little Bird has been a marvel in its own right. Issue 4 is no exception. Combining disturbing scenarios with a compelling tale of redemption and rebellion, Poelgeest and Bertram deliver another utterly compelling piece of the puzzle. All they have left to do is stick the landing, and I have complete faith that they’ll pull it off.