Lady Mechanika #4

Lady Mechanika #4

Writer: Joe Benitez
Artist: Joe Benitez
Colorists: Peter Steigerwald and Mike Garcia
Letterer: Josh Reed
Cover Artists: Joe Benitez and Peter Steigerwald (variant B, pictured above, by Kenneth Rocafort)

The best comic book I’m reading is not Star Wars. That’s saying a lot considering the reason I go to the comic store in the first place is to pick up the latest Star Wars issue from Marvel. Any other comic I buy while I’m in there is an afterthought. So when I sit back and evaluate all the comics I’m reading–which is mostly Star Wars–and realize that the best one isn’t from a galaxy far, far away, it makes an impact. Really, it’s just comes down to the fact that Lady Mechanika is that damn good. You can’t ask for better storytelling and artwork.

In Lady Mechanika #4, we get Blackpool’s masquerade aboard his hovering helio arx (aka steampunk blimp). Yet getting to the party and into the secret laboratory will require help from several of Lady Mechanika’s friends. With excellent artwork, characters and storytelling, Lady Mechanika #4 is an excellent addition to the series.

With the help of Mr. Lewis and his flying machines, Lady Mechanika is able to infiltrate the masquerade. There she runs into some of the people from the Cirque du Romani, and together they find Blackpool’s laboratory. But what lies in wait for them may be more than they can handle.

The story does a good job of pushing the plot and maintaining the mystery. Mechanika meets a masked man at the masquerade, but his identity is not revealed. Could it be Mr. Cain? Giano reveals the secret the circus kept from Mechanika, but the reality of the revelation isn’t quite clear. Are they angels or demons? And then there is Blackpool and his masquerade. Is this all a grand trap for Lady Mechanika? Alas the story leaves those questions unanswered. Fortunately it creates plenty of motivation to read more.

As always, the artwork is beautiful. There are large, full figure shots of the characters in their intricate steampunk attire. The panels transition between colorful scenes keeping an ever changing color palette. Even the arrangement of the panels pushes the dynamics of the action. It keeps the eyes moving and generates a great flow for the story. Plus the two page spread that ends the issue is wildly wicked. It’s hard to ask for anything more in the art department.

When all is said and done, I give Lady Mechanika #4 a five out of five metal bikinis. The series hasn’t broke it’s stride yet and continues to be an intriguing feast for the mind and eyes.

Reviewed By: Skuldren for Roqoo Depot.