The Occultist #4 deals with the consequences of the actions of Rob Bailey, wielder of the Sword, in violating the pact between the living and the dead. This might have been unknown to him but not to the technomancer who created this plot to trick him as the technomancer’s strength increases tremendously as a result. Anna and Mr. Elder are also aware of this violation as they strive to enter into the Realm of the Dead with the help of restless dead. Time is of the essence even with Anna struggling to achieve the proper state but when she reflects on Manny in his coma she’s finally able to escape her flesh. However they’re too late as the gate is already weakened and the most dangerous dead are already seeking to escape. And Rob doesn’t initially believe that Anna and Mr. Elder are actually there because his new friends are still seeking to deceive him. And then all hell breaks loose and the gravity of the situation as well as the severity of the violation finally becomes clear to the Occultist. Is it too late for him to stop the surging tide of the violent dead breaking through the gate or will the Sword forgive him, at least temporarily, and allow him to wield its power to set things right?

After what seemed like the last two issues focusing on Rob and Luka’s trips to the gate and the pleasure aspect of it, I was looking forward to the story actually moving forward and it finally does this issue. It took awhile for the wielder of the Sword to stop being the dumbest character in the series but when he does it becomes even more enjoyable. It was also satisfying to see the truth come to light regarding the technomancer’s plan and the deception fall apart. The difference between the dead being made clear was also very interesting, and a lot more interesting than 2 of the new “friends” that Rob made while being deceived. And the relationship between Rob and the Sword is definitely something I’m looking forward to being explored. I’m impressed with its capabilities and clearly there’s a lot more that Rob needs to learn about it. But for this issue, the action was definitely enjoyable and suffice in terms of the use of the Sword.

SUMMARY

The Occultist #4 shows the potential of this series and was a very enjoyable read. Since this issue highlighted the responsibilities of the wielder of the Sword, it was entertaining to see him finally take on those responsibilities and actually use the Sword. It was slightly annoying that it took him extra time to realize what was going on despite Anna and Mr. Elder standing right in front of him but I did understand his anger later towards the mastermind behind this plot to deceive him, and it should be a great confrontation. So I’m looking forward to the final showdown.

Release Date: 1/1/14

Writer: Tim Seeley

Artist: Mike Norton