Canto III: Lionhearted #4: Ever and a Day

Writing

Just when I think Canto cannot get any better, David M. Booher delivers the most spectacular dialogue I have read in a comic book in a long time! I legitimately got shivers up my spine and goosebumps several times as Canto confronts his people’s former slavers and tries to convince them to fight against the Shrouded Man and his army. Booher has had some killer dialogue and captured the voice of Canto perfectly since the first volume but this issue right here Booher captures the intensity, the heart, and dramatics amazingly. He pulls in stuff from Canto’s past and the slavers past and how Canto is just defiant, strong and insightful all at the same time. Booher needs an Eisner just for this issue!

This issue builds up the tension and anticipation for the final two issues to this volume superbly well. The pacing of the story through the pages is remarkably well done. Booher slowly starts to build up the tension and the final page had me standing up out of my chair. That final page is a fantastic set up for the rest of the story. Great ending dialogue as well, my gosh Booher just nails every single bit of this comic story wise

Booher still manages to make this tale all-ages appropriate even with these darker themes and motives. He toes that line perfectly well. Adults and kids can enjoy this both immensely well with themes and a story that everyone can relate to. I love that this book is all ages (okay may be like 6+) but, does not talk down to readers. Booher does a great job of making the book serious, yet also a ton of fun at the same time.

Art

Drew Zucker’s art is a key element to this story and Canto as a whole working so well. The issues without Zucker, just do not “feel” like Canto. They have had some super talented artist do some work on mini-series or one offs from the main series. They are good but without Zucker’s design, style and knack for Canto’s body language and expression through his eyes it lacks that sparkle.

Zucker captures the intensity of Canto’s conversation with his former slavers immensely well. The way he conveys Canto’s energy and “vibe” just through his eyes and little tin body I will never know; but you can just tell how Canto is feeling just by looking at him. Wonderful detail throughout the issue as well, Zucker always details this world magnificently and this issue is no different.

That story pacing being so well done also has a lot to do with Zuckers panel structure and layouts; he plays with the visual storytelling wonderfully as he brings us through the pages. Great use of panels and page turns to keep the reader engaged and excited throughout the issue. Beautiful continued character designs as well, just love to see what Zucker’s imagination is going to come up with.

I am a big fan of Vittorio Astone’s coloring work throughout this series. A spectacular use of light and dark colorations. Changing the mood and tone through the issue with the use of color is perfectly done in the issue. I Continue to adore the little rusted details in Canto’s armor as well. It is small things like those that makes the series brilliant.