Comic Review: Section Zero #4

Section Zero #4

Image Comics

Writer: Karl Kesel

Artist: Tom Grummett

After a dated but otherwise average three issues, Section Zero #4 takes the series in a daring new direction. The original series ended abruptly with its third issue after the dissolution of Gorilla Comics. In this Image revival, writer Karl Kesel and artist Tom Grummett has made the best of the nearly two-decade hiatus.

Rather than awkwardly continue the original story, Section Zero #4 jumps ahead to the present day. While it’s a unique and daring creative decision, the passage of time hasn’t healed all wounds.

Section Zero #4 feels more modern but in a lot of ways, it still hasn’t left the 90s. The character designs are much more memorable now but the matching, sleeveless uniforms feel antiquated. And that’s just the start.

Some of the choices, especially those made for young genius Reagan Adamek, are as unoriginal as they are unimpressive. To Grummett’s credit, the art as a whole has improved dramatically and Section Zero is now on par with his best work.

Aside from some questionable designs and repetitive panels, the art as a whole has benefited the most over the last eighteen years. Grummett’s brilliance as an artist shines through with Section Zero #4. The previously clunky fight scenes have a good flow and their visuals properly realize Section Zero‘s fantastic focus.

The body language has an impressive amount of nuance. Even a “bugged out” Thom has distinct expressions. It’s also one of the rare comics that draws from the superhero aesthetic while also giving the characters unique faces. Even recent, triple-A, Big-2-published event books can’t seem to manage that. Section Zero’s art might still be lacking in places but it’s closer to the work that made Grummett one of my favorite artists.

Unfortunately, the writing hasn’t undergone the same kind of improvement. The book has at least developed a more distinct tone. The goofy, self-aware mixture of various fables and tall tales is a lot more coherent. But the characters are still very much lacking.

Previous issues took time to show the cast’s personalities and motivations. Issue #4 introduces an almost entirely new team but focuses more on their powers than anything else. The little that is shown isn’t all that promising.

The exception is Thom, who’s become a mostly well adjusted, genuine person. It’s a nice change from the overly confrontational and cryptic characters that populate Section Zero. Even then, he has a certain amount of cynicism, as he’s seen just about everything over the last eighteen years. Except for what he really wants, the fate of his friends.

Section Zero did develop a clear sense of direction. The previous issues wandered around from one immediate goal to another. Now the book has an overarching purpose to offer the reader. Namely, the team’s journey to discover the fate of their predecessors and solving the mysteries surrounding it.

The decision to make so many radical changes in response to Section Zero‘s production issues was not only unique but thankfully well handled. There’s still room for improvement but Section Zero feels much closer to the story it was meant to be, after all this time.

Click here for more comic reviews