The search for wealth always comes with a high price. For one adventurer, it might be his life! Ulysses Monarch scavenges places in 3026. Rare artifacts prove invaluable in the right hands. One causing quite a stir is an old smartphone.
On the phone are pictures implying a savior may be in the world. With that kind of knowledge, the sky is the limit. Monarch’s path has went through highs and lows. A headhunter has been searching for him and his young companion. They’ve cheated death before. Can they do it again?
THE ADVENTURES OF ULYSSES MONARCH #4 by Marc Guggenheim, Harvey Tolibao, Mark Englert & Diego Sanches continues the action packed sci-fi epic.
Let’s take a closer look at where things stand now?
THE ADVENTURES OF ULYSSES MONARCH #4 by Marc Guggenheim, Harvey Tolibao, Mark Englert & Diego Sanches (Comixology Originals)
*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***
Guggenhiem throws everything into high gear with the opening pages. Seeing Monarch be impaled by the headhunter is a bold move. It amplifies the high stakes of his mission. The writing walks the tightrope with the tense atmosphere. Being reunited with Casey adds a grounded feel to the moments. Her unwavering support during injury shows their bond. Even in their rushing escape, this notion never breaks.
Once the Miranda/Casey adventure transitions, the pacing starts picking up more speed. Readers watch as the deep sea adventure turns into something more. The dialogue breaks more down of the ever-changing landscape. There’s not too much of a wait on the action. As the headhunter crashes the party, Casey takes the spotlight. A new discovery spins another thread into the foray. The conclusion drops another but not shocking surprise before wrapping up. It makes sense for this move as the next steps are crucial. Just when you think you see the play, the writing mixes everything up to engage. A very winning formula.
Tolibao and Englert bring out the big guns early for this chapter. The escape from the Headhunter is filled with fast-paced panels. Readers can truly sense the dangers at hand. It’s in very large contrast to its’ fallout. The art locks in on Casey’s worry with Monarch hanging on by a thread. Even in the future, the emotional pull remains key. This fuels a transition closer to this series form.
The deep sea dive carries a sense of wonder as the depths lower. Readers watch as the search leads into some very distinct places. One two page splash hits the bullseye with the artifacts. There is plenty of detail shown that is an easy win. This heightens their quest. As an uninvited guest crashes, the mood swings. The art shows an intense fight that never tires. Readers watch as the brawl comes to a solid finish. It allows the art team to move into the close. Once here, a small panel ends events with a very strong message. Heading to the finale, all bets are off.
OVERALL GRADE: 8.3
With Monarch’s life in the balance, the spotlight moves to Casey in the pen-ultimate issue. Guggenhiem keeps events balanced and exciting with the writing. Tolibao and Englert craft the high-stakes ride fans come to expect from this series. Brace for impact with the finale.
Let me know your thoughts about THE ADVENTURES OF ULYSSES MONARCH #4 in the comments below. Thanks for reading!