Review: Mike Hammer #4 (of 4)
It’s Hammer time! This issue opens with hardcore action on page one. Mike slams open the door with guns a-blazin’ only…There’s no one there to shoot at, he’s shooting up an empty bed!
The Creative Team:
Max Allan Collins puts our hero in a dire predicament and then shows us that there was nothing to be afraid of after all! However, Hammer’s client, Helen Venn, is missing from the motel. What makes this chapter so intriguing is the missing Helen Venn and who could have kidnapped her. This mystery is the focus of the issue and Hammer’s no-nonsense, never give up attitude keeps us glued to every page. Great stuff includes Hammer’s dedication to his client even when she doesn’t deserve it and his reaction to the truth about Helen.
The two Marc’s have done some great work this issue. Their panels are so much like camera angles. Which is perfect for this character. Keeping the story moving along with the noir style I love is what makes me want to re-read these issues every time. Highlights include the ambulance race to the hospital and the fire which destroys the warehouse, and some convenient evidence as well.
In Conclusion:
The final chapter has it all. We learn the truth about the ten million dollars and Helen’s final fate. Mike Hammer’s dedication could prove deadly this time. He loves his dames, but even when they think his guard is down, he’s more on top of things then his enemies know. You can’t have a happy ending without making some sacrifices and Hammer sacrifices almost everything. A great conclusion to a fantastic tale! **** (8.8 rating)
Mike Hammer #4
Writer – Max Allan Collins
Art – Marcelo Salaza, Marcio Freire
Letters – Tom Wilson
Publisher – Titan
About the Author
Kevin Given Kevin Given has studied with "Longridge Writers Group" and "Writer's Boot Camp" a speech/communications major from the University of Maine Presque-Isle/Orono sites. He has created the "Karl Vincent Vampire Hunter" franchise which includes 2 novels and 8 comic books. They can be found on amazon, Indyplanet and Kindle. For a limited time you can get digital copies of "Karl Vincent: Vampire hunter" #1 and "Files of Karl Vincent" #1 for free on Indyplanet. Kevin is producing the third novel in the series "Dracula Rising" (working title) and developing "Foul Blood" into comic book form.
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