Death of the Inhumans #4: That is One Very Angry Horse

As the Death of the Inhumans series begins to wrap up with issue #4 out of 5, writer Donny Cates answers some vital questions while setting up a finale that is sure to go out with a bang. Beta Ray Bill steals the spotlight with raw emotion that provides a welcome change of pace to the doom and gloom that has been so prominent in previous issues. The story seems to have hit a turning point overall though, first providing the Inhumans with their first “victory” then giving readers an unexpected twist. Unfortunately, all of this doesn’t stop the issue from feeling like just a buildup for the upcoming series conclusion.

In what first appears to be Maximus being revealed behind the mask of Vox, we find out they actually have the powers of past Inhumans and have used Lockjaw’s to teleport the Inhuman Princess Crystal to a strange laboratory. In here, we discover Triton and others being held unconscious, but we are also shown an assembly line of various new Voxs. This revelation opens the door to a much more large-scale conflict now that Black Bolt and Medusa have been united once again. With Karnak and a vengeful Beta Ray Bill by their side, the fight in the final issue is sure to be intense.

The artwork from Ariel Olivetti and Jordie Bellaire remains at a high quality, but this issue seems to lack the distinctive emotional and memorable panels that have come before. Images such as Black Bolt’s throat being slit have helped to create a harrowing tale, but this issue plays a bit more into comic cliches with hammers to the face and secret laboratories. Overall, the series has been great to look at, and this issue continues that trend.

The Death of the Inhumans series is undoubtedly one of the Royal Family’s better stories in recent years thanks to a strong creative team. Donny Cates obviously has something up his sleeve as this issue seemed necessary in setting up a finale that will deliver on the cryptic title. Strong artwork and a solid story throughout make this a series that is well worth reading, even if this issue didn’t quite hit the mark as well. I personally think it will be worth the investment after the conclusion, but only time will tell if they can really deliver a spectacular finale.