Pearl #4
Brian Arbizo
Recap
Pearl made a choice to go against Mr. Miike, saving a boy that she likes and taking her friends down an unexplored dark path. Literally and figuratively. The group sits in a garden overlook bay cities most notorious city; San Francisco.
As the group figures out what the next move is they talk about what they already know, or who they know. More importantly, we get an answer as to why Mr. Miiike would want Ricky dead? Ricky states it's not him but his friend's money type of answer.
Pearl questions his sincerity; At least Two Yakuza clans are after Ricky for someone else's mistake? He responds with the what appears to be the first time with sincerity; If he knew he messed up why would he stick around. It seems like a logical response, why would he?
Silences appear to fall over the group, but it does not feel like an awkward silence, Ricky brings it back to the food court admiring Pearl's tattoo. The mystery continues with Pearl's tattoo this was her turn to give short responses.
Shiba is back demanding the twins attention, he got it, just not the way that he was hoping for. The sister twin is, to say the least, the most deadly. Perhaps also the most cunning as the officers believe Shiba was at fault for his accident to the back of the head.
Back to the garden: Playful banter continues until it dawns on them they are still in a lot of trouble. How are they going to get out of this mess? Interclude to Mr. Miike house as Mr. Miike himself and Kai talk about the situation. It's becoming crystal clear that whatever happened to Pearl's mother is about to be dug back up, terrifying Mr. Miike.
Review
Pearl continues to be my “must read of 2018.” There is nothing else like it. The art continues to dominate the pages, not in a takeaway but adds to the story. There was one panel in particular that stood out to me, where Ricky is explaining to her that if he felt like he was in trouble, why would he remain. We have all given that face of “oh sh** that’s true.”
This issue wasn’t mind-blowing because this issue isn’t meant to be. It is tying everything together. We FINALLY get some answers as to why the clans want Ricky. However at the end, we are left with… wait there is more to Pearl’s mom’s death?!?
Cannot wait for the next issue!
Final Thoughts
The writing and storyline are great, especially for a tying everything together book. I really just want to take a moment to talk about Gaydos. Most of the script is taken place in a dark garden. He adds touches of color when he can while keeping the reader in the ambiance of night, which is really hard to do. Kudos to Mr. Gaydos.
Pearl #4 “I didn’t do or steal ANYTHING.”
- Writing - 9/109/10
- Storyline - 9/109/10
- Art - 10/1010/10
- Color - 10/1010/10
- Cover Art - 10/1010/10
