REVIEW: ‘Snow Angels,’ Issue #4

Heralding the end of Book 1, Snow Angels #4 is a ComiXology Original written by Jeff Lemire with art by Jock and letters by Steve Wands. In the previous issue, Millie, Mae Mae, and their dad narrowly escape the clutches of the Snowman all because of Mae’s brilliant plan. But their win over the Snowman is followed by another surprise—the Trench isn’t endless. One of the three main truths about the Trench is a lie. Facing this revelation, their dad breaks down and tells them the truth in Snow Angels #4. They aren’t the first people to discover the end of the Trench and certainly not the first to leave the protection of the Trench.

Over the past few issues, Lemire has been leaving readers hints that Millie and Mae’s father isn’t being entirely truthful—he knows much more about the Snowman and the state of the Trench than he’s letting on. But it’s only until now, in Snow Angels #4, that we understand what he’s been covering up and why. And let me tell you, it’s a doozy. What he reveals is unexpected, but the best part of it is what it means for Millie and Mae. It’s an excellent setup for any future issues to come.

And while their father certainly lied to them, it’s not received dramatically but only with understanding. It’s a rather refreshing take. Millie and Mae are extremely close to their father and each other. Family is important, a fact issue three solidified for readers. And we continue to see this even in issue four. And while it would be a shame to reveal what events exemplify this statement, I will say that it leads to plenty of heartrending for readers and characters alike.

Jock has been the artist on this series since the first issue, and they continue to do an excellent job bringing this unforgiving icy wasteland to life. The predominance of white in the backgrounds makes the characters pop, especially during action scenes. In addition, the characters are made up of heavy lines and shadows, further making them jump off the panels. The muted palette of colors used for the characters is boring, but the splash of red to indicate blood or used for the SFX makes the introduction of new color as startling as the violence. In less tumultuous panels, icy blues and muted greens are introduced to break up the flat background of ice.

The dialogue is kept clean and clear with Wands’ lettering. The speech bubbles never overshadow the action or the characters, allowing Jock’s art to shine.

Even though Snow Angels #4 ends Book 1, I’m hopeful that we’ll see Millie and Mae again. The truths their father reveals about the Trench and their mother are surprising but, more importantly, portend the continuation of this adventure. Lemire has crafted an icy, harsh sci-fi world that I need to learn more of.

Snow Angels #4 is available now digitally from ComiXology.