Crocodile Black #4: Let the Darkness Find You
Creative Team
writer: PHILLIP KENNEDY JOHNSON
artist: SOM
colorist: PATRICIO DELPECHE
letterer: BECCA CAREY
publisher: BOOM! STUDIOS
Reviewed by Seth Adrian Romo
Crocodile Black #4 is a violent and visually stunning entry in this dark crime series that plunges readers deeper into the unfolding madness.
This issue picks up after Danny, a young man seething with directionless rage, completes his first hit-job for a mysterious new “friend” named Tony. It soon becomes evident that while Danny has proven himself to be of use for violent tasks, his messy style has now made him a liability to those that hired him.
For the past few issues readers have followed Danny as his fascination with a dead army veteran named Leo Black—and his crocodile boots—has led Danny (for better or worse) down the wrong path.
This latest issue, written by creator Phillip Kennedy Johnson, draws two parallels in the script: Danny’s descent into violence and the trauma that has sunk its teeth into him for decades. It’s a welcome addition in the story as earlier issues never conveyed whether or not Danny was a character that readers should support, however, it was clear that he was interesting nonetheless.
Issue #4 gives the story time to focus on other characters unknown to Danny but still part of his new violent world and it’s an exciting element of the script. Previous issues provided minor hints to a drug leader connecting Danny to Tony, but only now do readers get more insight into the boss Hugo Romero.
From an analytical perspective, giving insight into “bad guys” adds a layer of complexity that gives readers plenty to consider. Danny’s violence is often towards criminals. This isn’t unlike most vigilantes, right?
This issue isn’t limited to world building, but also giving the readers more information on the trauma that has latched onto Danny for the past twenty years. The loss of his brother Matty at a young age remains a mystery, but the curtains are slowly revealing what lies behind them.
Part of the experience throughout has been the visuals both in Danny’s life and symbolically present when Danny is either challenged or listening to the dark voices inciting the violence. The illustrations by Somnath Pal and colors by Patricio Delpeche continue to set the perfect tones for this story. With Danny being off of his meds, there are visual elements like a cantankerous visual of rotting Leo Black that create unease and allow readers to experience what is likely going on in Danny’s mind. Combined with the lettering by Becca Carey—an excellent visual tool in the dialogue—and readers should brace for moments that are both hard hitting and grotesque and dreadful.
Final Verdict
Crocodile Black continues to deliver a tense, visceral experience that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. The art is equally haunting and beautiful making this dark ride well worth the price of admission.
| Criteria | Score |
|---|---|
| Writing | 9.5 |
| Story/Plot | 9.5 |
| Art/Line Work | 9.5 |
| Colors | 9.5 |
| Final Score | 9.5/10 |