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The Magdalena #4
Publisher: Top Cow
Writer: Ron Marz
Artist: Nelson Blake II
Cover: Ryan Sook

“Blood of the Lamb pt 4”: After avoiding a trap last issue, Patience and Kristof leave the Ukraine for France to continue their mission to find the son of Satan. They receive a quick briefing telling them that two members of the Garduna have gone missing after they were sent to find the cult of Lucifer’s Children who are raising the child. This news, though it sounds bad, is the best lead so far, and so Patience and Kristof head down into the lower catacombs of Paris. It doesn’t take too long for them to find the bodies of the two Garduna members along with another trap, however this one is going to be a lot harder to get out of for the current Magdalena and her mentor. Bet she’s glad Kristof decided to tag along instead of staying back at the church.

For the past few issues we’ve seen Patience basically man handle and beat down every opponent/demon she’s faced. So it was good to see Marz give her a bit of a challenge this issue and not fare so well. Though I was a little put off by the way she fell into the trap and didn’t understand why she ignored Kristof’s warning. Maybe she wanted to get up close to look the enemy in the eye, or maybe she’s just too stubborn to listen, or it could be a combination of both. Whichever one it is I was a little bothered, but after asking a few people who read the book I seem to be in the minority. Still, Marz delivers with this issue as he has with the previous ones by giving the fans exotic locations, great characters, and a story worth investing in.

The artwork provided by Nelson Blake II continues to elevate Marz’s story and it’s the little details that help make a lot of it stand out. Which is why I find it strange that he forgot Patience’s sectional staff in two panels early in the story when they were shown in the previous one and after. More of an observation than a complaint, because he really draws the hell out of this book consistently. Also, the sequence showing Patience change into her Magdalena garb was a great way to show off some of the detail in the costume, and it was done classy. Not a reason to show a lot of skin since the most we see is her calf, but a warrior suiting up to go kick some Anti-Christ ass!

I also have to give props to Bryan Rountree for reavealing a bit more about the Garduna who are introduced in the beginning of the book. This small but simple addition after the story helps round out a great issue, and when you have these fantastic covers by Ryan Sook it really can’t get any better!

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