Reviews»Comic Books»Bloodshot Reborn #4
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Kareem Ali 4.5

Bloodshot Reborn #4

 

  • The good

    Great character development and adding Magic to the mix. Agent Festival is a more rounded character now. Splendid artwork

  • The bad

    No discernible change after acquiring the nanites. Didn't feel as monumental as last issue

  • The ugly

    • Bloodshot Reborn #4 continues with him hunting down the other 5 individuals possessing his nanites before they commit atrocious acts. It opens up with remembering how it was when he would have to go in for treatments to replenish his nanites, and even though he hated one of the scientists there was nothing he could do because he was under Project Rising Spirit’s control. This is the reason he feels some sympathy for those who the nanites chose because he knew what the nanites do to change people and get them to commit acts beyond their control. It’s a good thing he can track each one since he’s now reconnected with some of his nanites but he’s also angry with his imaginary sidekicks, Bloodsquirt and Kay. All he knows is that Bloodsquirt is a bloodthirsty psychopath and he blames Kay for creating this mayhem by removing the nanites from him in the first place. However, he also needs them to get him through this task and all it requires. Meanwhile, Agents Festival and Hoyt are examining the murder scene at the police station and Agent Festival is convinced it was Ray’s doing. Hoyt doesn’t buy it just yet because neither one of them can explain how it would be possible for him (or anyone) to infiltrate the station with so much security. But she’s convinced and her unexplained abilities help her understand what occurred and she believes it’s all connected to Project Rising Spirit. How did Festival acquire these abilities? And will she learn that Ray is attempting to stop the murders before it’s too late?

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    When Bloodshot absorbed more nanites after killing Donald Chester, felt the computer networks again and knew how many people remaining had nanites I was extremely excited about the possibilities. A partially powered Bloodshot going against some maniac with some of his abilities in the midst of everything else was a tantalizing thought. That’s not what happened this issue as the focus would be on character development, and thankfully it wasn’t just for Bloodshot. I would have no problem with an issue that focused solely on Bloodshot’s development but in the context of this Reborn series that has been explored, and there would have been no story progression if this was the case at this point. And that’s because he finds the next Bloodshot imitation early this issue, and save a twist in the form of another person being present, the acquisition of the nanites didn’t feel as monumental a change as last issue. Actually, there was no discernible change in Bloodshot’s abilities on display. The brief action was intense and beautifully drawn by Mico Suayan. I can’t say enough about the artwork. However, the addition of another character, seemingly a love interest for Bloodshot, was an entertaining angle because of what it alluded to in terms of what comes next. And I won’t give any spoilers regarding that except to say there’s more intriguing character development for Bloodshot aside from him dealing with just the two in his head.
    Agent Festival’s backstory was revealed this issue as well, and she became a more interesting character. There still wasn’t an explanation regarding her abilities but the manner in which her backstory was revealed was pretty engrossing. I don’t know what will ultimately become of Agent Festival but I really like the character now and hope she can be of use in future Bloodshot storylines. So I’m curious where her search for the truth takes her.

     

    SUMMARY

     

    Bloodshot Reborn #4 is a chilling issue that explores the depths of the impact of psychotic killers not only in the form of Bloodshot’s character development but Agent Festival as well. The turn of events adding a new character to the mix has potential so Bloodshot isn’t just dealing with Bloodsquirt and Kay in his quest to reacquire the nanites. The action is intense although the acquisition of the nanites doesn’t feel as monumental as last issue. But this issue definitely makes this story arc more intriguing.

     

    Release Date:7/8/15

    Writer: Jeff Lemire

    Artist: Mico Suayan

  • Rating ( 9 )
  • Total score 9.0

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