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Kareem Ali 4.5

The Death-Defying Doctor Mirage #4

 

  • The good

    True agendas revealed, and the overall plot becomes more threatening. Great character development including Shan and Hwen's bond.

  • The bad

    Not as much revealed about the Scry.

  • The ugly

    • The Death-Defying Doctor Mirage #4 continues with Shan attempting to free her husband from the domain of the Pale Mistress. However, the events leading to this situation were set in motion decades ago when a secret cabal including Linton March decided to tap into power they had no idea how to use but found an incantation that promised it. Linton March would attempt to translate the incantation with 3 others to call forth a 5th who would grant them power. This ended up being the Scry chained in March’s basement being forced to do their bidding since then. But it’s important to also know Shan’s history and how she had to deal with the demands of ghosts as a child. She would learn how to deal with this with the help of Doctor Nat who would show her how to get the ghosts to listen to her instead of them making demands. So by the time she met Hwen it would be perfectly normal for her to talk about the ghosts she’s known over the years and the friendships formed with them, especially considering he has the gift as well. This was just one of many aspects of their relationship that made their bond so strong, and why she would be willing to offer her life to the Pale Mistress for his return.  But the Pale Mistress is concerned with the barrier between worlds eroding, and this is also the primary concern for March and his group. They don’t know what this means or who’s waiting on the other side. Has Dr. Mirage’s visit to the spirit realm doomed both worlds or has there been some manipulation kept secret all this time?

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    The revelation at the end of last issue was pretty shocking, and Shan’s journey through the spirit realm was rewarded in terms of her finding what she wanted. The problem was the Pale Mistress wouldn’t just let Hwen go for absolutely no reason. She would want Hwen’s staff left in the ocean when he died, and that very staff was also part of the harm being caused to the spirit realm. But in order for Shan to retrieve it she would need Hwen’s help, which would allow them to come to an agreement with the Pale Mistress for his release. These negotiations were entertaining based on the build up of the rules in the spirit realm throughout this series, and more importantly, due to the clear understanding of the bond between Shan and Hwen. And this was utilized this issue very well since they would have to fulfill their promise and attempt to solve the various issues at hand. And the Pale Mistress has become a more fascinating character too.
    But light would be shed on all the events that have taken place from the start, and there would be more shocking revelations about who was behind certain aspects of these events. I enjoyed the way it was shown how Linton March’s group was outside of its depth even going back decades when they first summoned the Scry. It made their secret ambition for power so great that they would be willing to do anything to acquire it. And they abused it for so long they would even begin to sow doubt among each other. And even Ivros became a much more threatening figure as light was shed on his activities and goal. So the overall scheme has become more engrossing, and every bit as enjoyable as any scheme to acquire power through the mystical arts. And the revelations and cliffhanger at the end of this issue would be felt strongly due to the excellent writing throughout this issue by Jen Van Meter.
    And in my review of the last issue, I pointed to how the artwork didn’t seem to distinguish between the real world and the spirit realm to the detriment of following the story easier. The overall style would remain, thankfully, but the artwork would be clearer so it was easier to follow the events as a result. And even more than that, it was just great whether it was the Pale Mistress and her court, March’s associates and their shady activities, or Ivros in his rampage. I’ve been thoroughly enjoying this series and I can’t wait for the next issue.

     

    SUMMARY

     

    The Death-Defying Doctor Mirage #4 is an excellent issue that moves the story forward tremendously while shedding light on the true motivations of those behind the scenes causing havoc in both the real world and spirit realm. It does this through the wonderful character development and flashbacks showing origins. And the perfect balance was struck using some flashbacks to add to the clear understanding of the bond between Shan and Hwen, and at times that even served as a stark contrast to the selfish motivations of others. And the artwork by Roberto de la Torre gave life to each of these situations. And with the way this issue ended I’m very anxious to see what unfolds in the next one.

     

    Release Date: 12/17/14

    Writer: Jen Van Meter

    Artist: Roberto de la Torre

  • Rating ( 9.25 )
  • Total score 9.3

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