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witchf4
Kareem Ali 4.5

Witchfinder: The Mysteries of Unland #4

 

  • The good

    The history of the Unland being revealed as well as the event that created the conflict. Satisfying answers

  • The bad

    Uncertainty about Sir Edward's true capabilities considering the fight at the beginning of this issue.

  • The ugly

    • Witchfinder: The Mysteries of Unland #4 is the penultimate issue that has Sir Edward Grey discover the truth about the Unland. It opens up with Sir Edward riding in the back of a horse carriage heading to Unland to investigate it for himself. Not long after arriving he’s attacked by the driver, a grotesque figure with eels protruding from his body. Sir Edward is able to fend off this attack and hurt the constable before one of the frightened horses lands the finishing blow. But he was bitten by one of the eels, and before dying, the constable tells Grey that he’ll succumb from the poisonous bite shortly. Clearly the visit to the Unland to uncover answers isn’t going well so far. However, the origin of what has been going on there goes back a few decades to 1843 when Horace Poole was in the marshes with his son, Hallam. Hallam tells him that his mother, Horace’s wife, warns them about nights like this because the tale is Jenny Greentooth and her baby eels are out as part of their ritual. Horace dismisses this as nothing but a tale designed to scare women and children but when Horace’s wife finds them on the waters she’s displeased that they ignored this warning. Horace wants to catch some baby eels for money but she’s not concerned with that since she believes the danger is too great. What is it that had Horace Poole’s wife so spooked and what is the connection to current events?

    witchf4
    This series has done an excellent job has been done in creating an engrossing experience the intriguing characters to the suspenseful story line that has been built up along the way. And the artwork has only enhanced this experience as each panel hinted at sinister motives or movements, and in terms of action, it was perfectly suited for the series of events and tone of the series. However, up until this issue answers haven’t been given about the truth of the Unland or Hallam, so a lot was riding on what would be revealed. And this issue wasted no time as the truth would be revealed about the Unland’s past, which was still pertinent. The flashbacks being placed around Sir Edward’s battle and recovery actually fit very well as the story seamlessly combined past and present to create one overall narrative. Last issue gave us more insight into the Poole’s family structure and the fact that Horace Poole had an ex-wife, and this issue gives the details of what happened. And the wait was worth it, not just because it clarified that family’s history but the introduction of the rich environment filled with its own customs and history, also known as the Unland. And I was glad that all of this wasn’t just a money-grubbing scheme and that what was at stake was as wonderfully complex as the set up led me to believe. Now, complex doesn’t mean confusing as the reasons that were revealed were easy to follow, and yes, there’s still more to be revealed next issue. But I found myself fully engrossed once again, and the moments that were meant to be terrifying for the characters, Tyler Crook did an incredible job conveying that fear on the characters’ faces. It all came together very well this issue, and the only problem I had would be the transition between the past events and the current state of the town. However, I’m assuming that will be answered next issue based on the way this one ended. So as a penultimate issue this one hit all the right notes as it answered enough questions to feel satisfying while leaving room for the finale to wrap things up in an exciting way.

     

    SUMMARY

    Witchfinder: The Mysteries of Unland #4 is a solid penultimate episode that builds up anticipation for the conclusion by providing crucial answers, and in turn, bringing together all the elements that have played a factor in recent events. The wait for answers regarding the Unland was well worth it, and the use of past events was successful in uncovering its mystique while giving a context to current characters’ situations. And I could appreciate the relative complexities of the story, and since I’ve been enjoying this series from the beginning, it’s even more satisfying. I don’t know how the rest of this story will unfold but at this point I have the utmost confidence that it will be entertaining, and I can’t wait for it.

     

    Release Date: 9/17/14

    Writer: Kim Newman, Maura McHugh

    Artist: Tyler Crook

  • Rating ( 9.4 )
  • Total score 9.4

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