Jericho Season 3: Civil War #4
Publisher: IDW
Writer: Matthew Fedderman
Artist: Matt Merhoff
Cover: Scott West
“Civil War pt 4”: If there was ever an example of “never say die!”, the Jericho series is definitely on that list. The television show was canceled after the first season, but the fans wouldn’t hear of it. After their voice was heard it was renewed for a second season, but after seven episodes it was taken off the air, and if I remember correctly it was in part due to the writers’ strike. The series was then to be continued in comic form and was picked up by Devil’s Due Publishing, where the support continued, but after three issues and internal problems at DDP, Jericho was not seen for some time.
Now thanks to IDW, Jericho lives on and picks up right after the third issue! Actually IDW was very accommodating, and the week before this issue hit stores they released Jericho Redux which collects the previously released first three issues to get everyone up to speed. So with part four of Civil War we are treated to something the fans have been clamoring for for quite some time: the origin of John Smith. This issue takes us back five years to explain the chain of events that led to the explosions that literally shattered a country, and how Smith orchestrated it all. His motivations come from several places, and Fedderman does well with explaining them while at the same time showing just how intelligent Smith really is. Across the country Smith gathers the people most susceptible to follow his orders and do what he thinks must be done to take out his target. There is nothing more dangerous than a man who has nothing else to lose and plans on taking the bad guys out. The only problem is that he’s willing to cross ethical lines to do so, which is why the U.S. is in the state that it’s in. Fedderman also hints that Smith’s rescue by Jake and Hawkins may not have been the best of ideas for the reluctant heroes, as it seems like Smith has plans within plans.
If it wasn’t for the story and the fact I’m a fan of the series, I probably wouldn’t have flipped past the second or third page. The artwork was just not to my liking and only a handful of pages looked decent to me. This was a problem I had with the second issue, which Merhoff did as well. I will say that Matt did fine with the likenesses and those who needed to be were easily recognizable. Also the splash page with Smith looking at the reader with the multiple nuclear explosions going off behind him was great, but other than that it wasn’t for me. I’m just excited to see that IDW has decided to bring Jericho over and continue the series through to the sixth and final issue.
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Wonderful review. Issue #4 is a MUST read for all fans. It gives us answers to all those questions we had after Season 2. I wonder what is in store for issue #5.
I started withdrawals again, so was very happy to see this. Liked learning more of the background of Smith and what made him do what he did. Ready for the next episode!
Absolutely loved issue #4 and it answered almost as many questions as it raised. The writing was excellent and I thought the artwork was very good. The only thing better would have been an actual TV episode of the issue #4 story….. If enough people buy the comics will see a Jericho movie.
I’m loving all the positive reviews. Jericho will never go down without a huge fight from all of us rangers. I’ve been a fan since the first night I ever watched Jericho. I own every comic book (including the redux!) and both seasons on dvd. Amazing review guys!
Awesome that Jericho Season 3 is available in Comic format!
Thanks for comin’ by guys and it’s always good to see some more Jericho support! Be sure to come back for the next issues as well!
Thanks to Dan Shotz and the writers. This is a great read and it provides much of the back story for John Smith and the basis of the show. I want more and this issue will leave you asking for more as well.
It was so great to get #4 in my hands; it’s been a long, long wait. Many thanks to IDW for taking over the job of producing Season 3.
I love having the JERICHO story continued and finally getting some pieces of the delicious puzzle its creators set up in the series. But, IDW and the rest of those involved in creating this book, I don’t think two more issues are going to be enough. This Ranger would like more!
Agree with you 100% Jodi! I think that when the title was with DDP it was going to be extended past 6 issues but it looks like things have changed now that it’s with IDW.
LOVED issue #4! As usual, the artwork was top notch, and the story was great! I enjoyed seeing the backstory of how and why “John Smith” committed the biggest crime in the history of the world. Can;t wait for #5!
With every issue missing Jericho on TV more and more, the show was so good that as I read these comics I can visualize the show playing out. Thanks for the great review, every bit of Jericho talk is a small step to the return of the best damn show ever.
Great review of a terrific comic book… Can’t wait for the next issue! =0)
A shout out to my favorite show Jericho! Never should have been canceled by CBS nor DevilsDue!