I Pledge Allegiance To The Mask #4

Dark Horse Comics

Writer: Christopher Cantwell

Artist: Patric Reynolds & Lee Loughridge

This week Dark Horse released their finale to their latest Mask mini-series. Throughout this brief run, we’ve seen the character used in an attempt to tackle modern American politics. Sometimes this worked and sometimes it didn’t but there’s no denying that this series has held my interest. Despite a weak third part I thoroughly enjoyed the first two issues so let’s see whether this last one is any good.

It is. This isn’t the best comic I’ve ever read but it’s enjoyable. The first quarter of the book sees Big head sworn in after winning the election last issue. It’s definitely the highlight of the issue. He gives a multi-page monologue that’s essentially a takedown of Trump, his party and their voters. Nothing really new is said but it’s done in an entertaining manner and the artwork during the speech is fantastic. Reynolds and Loughridge contrast the highly detailed, dark, nasty looking main character with a clear blue sky in the background that helps focus the reader’s attention on Bighead and his dialogue. That duo has been great on art for this entire mini-series and I hope this isn’t the last time I see them work together.

The rest of the book follows up on Matthews’ intentions to destroy the mask after the events of the last issue. She’s shown watching the inauguration from a bar alongside other previous mask wearers as they form a plan to get rid of Bighead once and for all. It’s really all fast-paced action from there and it all leads up to a fairly surprising ending. It isn’t perfect, there are brief moments where it seemed to lose focus a little but it always got back on track right away. I have to admit that this was a damned fine finale.

Overall, this was a great issue and it’s made me really glad that I read this mini-series. The art is wonderful and Christopher Cantwell has really upped his writing game compared to the last issue. Definitely pick this up if you’re a fan of the franchise or even if you’re just looking for a quick read with some political commentary throughout. It’s well worth it.