REVIEW: ‘Unnatural: Blue Blood,’ Issue #4

Unnatural: Blue Blood #4 is published by Image Comics and written by Mirka Andolfo, with art by Andolfo and Ivan Bigarella, colors by Francesca Carotenuto, letters by Fabio Amelia, and localization by Steve Orlando. With Leslie’s visions intensifying, something seems truly rotten in Sacro Artiglio. But what lies at the heart of this isolated town? And what does it have to do with The Albino?

This issue opens with a look at the motives behind the townsfolk of Sacro Artiglio. Their vision of The Albino, as well as the events of the original Unnatural series, are explored as the reader is given a look inside a town meeting. And while their interest in the monster that continues to fester inside Leslie is indeed different from the previous series’ villains, it looks like their intent toward her is just as bad.

When Unnatural: Blue Blood #4 catches up with our protagonists, Leslie and Shea have already reunited with Khal and seem to be headed out of town before Leslie is placed in even more danger. This sequence ends up doing a lot of inter-character development. While Shea, up till now, has been fairly critical of her guardians, this sequence grants her a real moment to see how important she actually is to them. Leslie’s strength comes through fantastically, and I always love seeing Khal playing the protective, doting boyfriend/big brother.

But while this sequence provides Unnatural: Blue Blood #4 a core of heart to it, later moments bring the intensity as old struggles return. This high-tension moment comes on suddenly and grabs the reader wonderfully. Combined with what is shown earlier in the narrative, the reader gets a full-spectrum image of Khal’s personality, in case a refresher was needed.

The art in Unnatural: Blue Blood #4 delivers the book’s wide-ranging emotions magnificently. Every feeling is delivered in a way that truly impacts the reader. Whether kindness or rage, the emotion of each scene is always pushed to the center stage thanks to the skillful art. The brief moments of action are handled equally well. The level of power some of these characters wield is skillfully displayed and combined with stellar sound effects design to emphasize every panel further.

The end of this book brings what you want the ending of every entry in a thriller series to bring—new questions being raised and cliffhanger moments of imminent peril. Comics are at their best when a series can make each issue feel like an amazing read while leaving readers wanting more. Mirka creates this wonderful, pitch-perfect ending that will keep readers hooked until next month.

When all is said and done, Unnatural: Blue Blood #4 delivers on all fronts. Emotion, character development, mysteries answered, and new ones brought to light fill these pages right up to the ending, leaving the reader wanting nothing but another page to turn—a magnificent outing for any fan of this franchise.

Unnatural: Blue Blood #4 is available now wherever comics are sold.