There’s so much to see in issue #4 of Rick Remender and Greg Tocchini’s series “Low.”
WRITTEN BY: Rick Remender
ART BY: Greg Tocchini
PUBLISHER: Image Comics
PRICE: $3.50
RELEASE: October 29, 2014
Reviewed by Nick Brehmer
Marik has been pulled up into his mother’s hope. The third city, Poluma, still exists and they have found it. However, this hub of science and innovation has fallen into the hands of the scurvy horde and now, like Salus, runs the risk of destroying itself through blind indulgence. The disappointment of Stel and Marik is washed away at the sight of Roln who, back in issue #1, killed Johl and kidnapped his young daughters. Tajo, at least, is alive and has become a sort of play-thing/pseudo daughter to Roln who revels in the familial mind games that he plays with her. The mission of discovery quickly turns into a rescue mission. However, the ebb and flow of doubt and hope continues as Tajo turns out to be more of a willful prisoner than anticipated.
The artwork of this issue is so inspiring. I’m left wondering if the two creators even realize the scale of lore that they create in this universe. It’s on an epic level. Just like the narrative, it’s quick to change and full of surprises. Despite the grit of this new city we get to explore as readers, you want to be there, experiencing and the wonder and disgust that our heroes do.
The thematic brilliance of Remender’s narrative lies in his earnest pursuit of balance. I mentioned in the review of the previous issue that I was concerned that some readers may raise the “preachy” flag on this series. Issue #4 demonstrates that while it may be obvious that Remender is curating a keen sense of optimism, his characters aren’t naïve nor are his situations eschewing discomfort. The opposite really. Remender’s optimism thrives off of discomfort. Optimism requires discomfort in order to be intentional and significant. Balance is also laid out in the development of characters through the incorporation of flaws rather than a strict reliance on their qualities amidst their challenges. For example, up until now, Stel has been the picture of hope, but this issue highlights not only her pride but her rashness as well. Marik becomes the collected one in this issue, but his devotion to his mother’s hope leads him to follow her lead.
In the back matter “Lowdown”, Remender writes that they have a 60-issue story arc planned should things continue to go well for the series. This makes me very, very happy.
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A product of the harsh lands of Northern Ontario, Nick Brehmer is in fact a sensitive flower currently blooming in the GTA. He spends his downtime wishing he was British. Follow him on Twitter and Instagram @nicholasbrehmer