The Dimensonauts are fractured. Lost in a hostile dimension surrounded by high tech Native Americans who’d love to kill them. Ward leads an empowered charge back to the pillar and the stakes are higher than ever. “Black Science” has its most energetic chapter yet as it refocuses back on the supporting characters lost in this dimensional shuffle.

WRITTEN BY: Rick Remender
ART BY: Matteo Scalera
COLOR BY: Dean White
PUBLISHER: Image
PRICE: $3.50
RELEASE: February 26, 2014

So much always seems to be happening in every issue of this book. Remender is the master of breakneck pacing, so its no surprise that you’ll feel pulled along for the wild ride. What does surprise is the heartfelt loss that this month inspires. This chapter is a somber one. It serves up a heaping helping of action to start things off and concludes with the sobering look at the group’s bleak situation.

This issue totally belongs to Ward, every one of these opening pages are absolutely sprightly due to his combat expertise. While, Kadir chugs the story along in his own way. It is clear he’ll pose more of a threat down the line, and the rest of the group really have their moments to react to the chaos around them.

The team is comprised of flawed and realistic characters that all react to their situation in remarkably different ways. The team dynamic remains one of the largest draws in a book already dripping with irresistible concepts. Yet grounded characters rise above everything else.

Remender balances a busy script with relative ease, as does Matteo Scalera. His art continues to impress. Most notably in the opening pages of the issue with the resourceful ways he finds to execute the attacking Native Americans. There is muddy grit to the action that completely fades once the battle has halted. Warm facial expressions abound in this issue, serving to remind us of who these characters are outside of crisis.

Scalera’s thick lines are met with fantastic contrast. There is never a bright moment in the art, despite being surrounded by the vibrancy of Dean White’s neon soaked colors. Something happens in this combination to create a perfect harmony.

Remender’s script gives the perfect tease to carry the story into the next chapter. Everything almost seems to be going right for the group, and in the final moments he manages to spin everything on its head once again. It’s the kind of storytelling he’s known for, and it never disappoints. It doesn’t feel forced and embraces the infinite opportunities afforded by his premise.

The horrors that lie in wait with chapter five of “Black Science” is almost too exciting to fathom. The team is finally back together and united around getting back home, but something tells me that harmony won’t last long.

Rating: 4/5 Skulls