Zorro - Man of the Dead #4: Into the Sunset
Creative Team
writer/artist: SEAN GORDON MUPRHY
artist/colorist: SIMON GOUGH
letterer: DC HOPKINS
publisher: MASSIVE PUBLISHING
Reviewed by Seth Adrian Romo
Zorro: Man of the Dead #4 closes out this arc with action, tons of bullets, and even more spectacle.
Over the past four issues, readers have followed precision driver Rosa and her brother Diego–a disillusioned hero who believes to be Zorro himself.
Diego’s fanaticism is not all misguided as readers have seen how it has inspired villagers of La Vega to step up against the cartel. While the story contains elements that can be familiar of Zorro or western films, the homages are well-balanced in this modern twist on the sword wielding hero.
This is in large part of writer/artist Sean Gordon Murphy crafting a narrative that hooks readers and art that is visually compelling. Murphy’s writing throughout has managed to introduce an ensemble of characters such as the village priest, the reluctant DEA agent, and an obvious tribute to actor Danny Trejo. Like currents in a storm, this issue has all characters colliding and it’s an entry that will certainly impress readers. The script is well paced and with tight dialogue, this allows letterer DC Hopkins to perfectly place words.
The art has been consistently amazing and Murphy knows how to craft action sequences that are energetic. Additionally, the panel designs finesse lots of detail at crucial moments and minimal intimate close ups of characters during smaller—but equally intense—scenes. While Murphy’s illustrations stand as top tier in design, it helps that colorist Simon Gough masterfully manages color choices and palettes throughout this issue. There are scenes in jungles, bullets during a festival, and of course lots of blood. Gough’s colors enhance the feel of the illustrations and there’s not a scene that isn’t perfectly drawn or colored.
This series will be an exclusive digital release to Omnibus.app and the ZORRO graphic novel is available for preorder now on Simon & Schuster.
Final Verdict
Zorro: Man of the Dead is a wild ride and top tier in storytelling and art. It’s bittersweet to see this story conclude as the innovative way in which it brought Zorro to modern comics is nothing short of amazing. This final issue is packed with great writing, stellar art, and the critical message that anyone can embody the morals of one of the greatest characters of all time.
| Criteria | Score |
|---|---|
| Writing | 9.0 |
| Story/Plot | 9.0 |
| Art/Line Work | 10.0 |
| Colors | 10.0 |
| Final Score | 9.5/10 |