The Last God #4: Welcome to the Pinnacle

In a stunning continuation of this richly dark and complex fantasy epic, The Last God #4 finds its footing in pure horror to explore the cyclical nature of the Saviors of Cain Anuun and exposes just how things might play out differently thirty years after the first group’s attempt to stop Mol Uhltep.

While the third issue delved quite directly into the interpersonal relationships of each Age’s group, The Last God #4 sheds light on their progress thus far as well as how Cyanthe and the others can turn the tide of battle in their favor. This issue brings an interesting duality to the forefront of the series as we see the chaos that resulted from the Age of Olvargolad run rampant in the Age of Tyrgolad. Not only are we on this journey to find out how to stop Mol Uhltep, but this issue also promises that we are also on this journey to find out just how bad things really went for the first group led by young Tyr.

The dual narrative was always going to bring with it certain pros and cons, but it’s uniquely interesting to see just how well writer Phillip Kennedy Johnson is balancing such weight. There are a lot of moving pieces within this story steeped in an intricate world filled with history that begs to be told. Despite such a comprehensive storytelling process utilized in this series, issue #4 is an example of how the series can somehow leave you still begging for more.

The surprise star of the issue, Skol, is both a wonderful addition to the already eclectic cast of characters, she also unifies the two parties through time and gives direction to each of their quests. This comes at a perfect point in the story as the complexities of the time periods begin to truly come to light. Skol is a character that helps to focus the plot lines and maintain a coherent and consistent story. While we follow Tyr into uncertainty, we can see the wisdom of age come to fruition with Cyanthe much later, setting up a shocking cliffhanger with the arrival of Shyf, an inhuman “object” that will somehow be the key to their survival.

If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed by the amount of world building and narrative developments, The Last God #4 is an issue that can help you find your place again in the story. It merges the storylines concisely, allowing you to enjoy the dramatic and frightening revelations without being too concerned about being lost.

Once again, absolutely none of this would have been possible without the powerful artwork from Federici, Gho and company. This is a book that undoubtedly stands on the strength of its artwork. Now four issues in, we are still seeing epic fantasy interwoven with true horror unlike anything in comics today. Aside from a sometimes chaotic panel layout, The Last God #4 continues an exercise in near-perfect execution of both high fantasy and dark horror. The Pinnacle and the demons of old who destroyed it, Skol and the deadly fights each group has survived to reach her, all shine with magnificent visuals that make every page a delight to look at.

While the story continues to expand and envelop a much larger world, The Last God #4 once again remains focused on what’s important without getting lost in its own intricacies. Though we’ve passed the point for new readers to jump on, this series is quickly proving to be one that will stand the test of time for both its genre and comics in general.