For its concluding chapter, “Kill Shakespeare: The Mask Of Night” #4 ends with a bang in its action-packed finale. The classic Shakespearean characters feel more alive and modern as they become part of the swashbuckling genre. The “Kill Shakespeare” series has gone off in a new and fresh direction, keeping newcomers and longtime readers in a state of twisted surprise.
Written By: Conor McCreery and Anthony Del Col
Art By: Andy Belanger
Publisher: IDW Publishing
Price: $3.99
Release: Oct. 1, 2014
Reviewed By Jorge Solis
In the aftermath of “Vol. 3: Tide of Blood,” Juliet, Hamlet, and Othello were captured on the pirate ship, The Boreas. While being held captive, pirates Cesario and Viola discovered the hard way, there is no honor amongst thieves. With the traitor revealed, Lucius Andronicus arrived to make things worse. Now that he has claimed the pregnant Juliet as his dinner, Andronicus is a hungry cannibal, with a taste for unborn children.
Though Hamlet has been in the background, writers Conor McCreery and Anthony Del Col put this Shakespearean characters out in the forefront as an action star. Wrong about Juliet and Romeo, Hamlet helplessly watched the love of his life being taken by Andronicus’ men. Coming to his senses, Hamlet is ready to make things right, but he needs help from Viola, the true captain of the Boreas. Throughout the story arc, Viola has switched sides, you could never predict her next move.
McCreery and Del Col definitely have a lot of fun with the dialogue between Hamlet and Viola. Attracted to the “bad girl” act, Hamlet seems to be enjoying the dirty talk and dark humor. As if they were on their first date, the deadly duo are slitting throats as they takedown Andronicus’ ship. Notice how Viola is getting frisky after her face is smeared with blood; defining their chemistry.
Andy Belanger’s artwork delivers so much action into every single panel. Using the split-screen as a visual technique, Belanger captures the sword action and blood from every angle. Everything is set in the opening pages, where readers get a taste of how sick and twisted Andronicus really is. Belanger keeps the pace at a fast beat because the story is counting down to Juliet being placed on the dinner table.
The panels jump to close-ups when Hamlet and Viola share the panel together. They are always keeping their eyes locked onto each other. The two are attracted to each other because their kicks come from the thrill of danger. Their attraction is highlighted as a fire starts in the background.
“Kill Shakespeare: The Mask of Night” #4 closes its riveting swashbuckling adventure with an action-packed finale. I can’t wait to see how “Kill Shakespeare” continues.