The Paybacks #4
Dark Horse Comics
Written by: Donny Cates & Eliot Rahal
Art by: Geoff Shaw
Color by: Lauren Affe
The Paybacks #4 comes to an end with a massive BANG! Donny Cates and Eliot Rahal have completed their superhero love letter and its all too bitter sweet. The Paybacks comes to a close with our team finally cornering the villains who have been murdering their targets. As we find out what they are truly after a member of The Paybacks has a sudden change of heart. And while our team seems to come out of this mess victorious, it isn’t without a tragic and devastating wound. The Paybacks #4 ends with some unanswered questions and unresolved issues but here is hoping the story gets to continue on beyond this initial tale.
The Paybacks series as a whole has been a tremendous comic book series and a must read for any fan of the superhero genre. In issue 4 Donny Cates and Eliot Rahal continue to produce a classic superhero talk with the humor and gravitas that only they can provide. Cates especially has proved again and again that he understands how to tell a story and grab the reader with an iron grip. This issue is a perfect example of Cates and Rahal’s prowess as its perfectly paced, resolves our initial conflict, stabs you in the heart and leaves the door open for more. Oh, and lets not forget its hilarious. This is totally cliche and I can’t believe I’m saying it but The Paybacks #4 has it all, Cates and Rahal deliver on every level with intense action, heart breaking moments, lovable characters and compelling intrigue.
Not to be out done by our tremendous writing duo, Geoff Shaw’s art was made for this comic. His character designs are superhero masterpieces. Each one is unique yet invokes a classic character from comic book past or present. Shaw’s action sequences are clear, direct and a pleasure for the eyes. Lauren Affe color’s add a special 90’s comic flare that bring the tone and characters to life. Every panel is a testament to how much these creators love comics. I know I have said it before but The Paybacks is a must read comic for every fan of the medium. Cates, Rahal and Shaw love comic books and it shows with every word bubble, cliffhanger and character homage. The Paybacks are the lovable band of superheros you are missing from you life, so sit down, introduce yourself and hold on for the best ride of 2015.