Writer: Vita Ayala

Artist: Raul Allen and Patricia Martin

Letters: Saida Temofonte

Publisher: Valiant Entertainment

Rating: 12+ Only

Livewire #4 is here and the showdown between Pan de Santos and Amanda “Livewire” McKee has finally arrived. For those who have followed my other Livewire reviews found here, here, and over here too, I have stated repeatedly how compelling I have found the main character, her backstory, and her unique power set. Livewire #4 feels like a mini conclusion to the introduction of Livewire to her audience culminating in an epic one on one battle between two powerful entities.

Pan dos Santos is a great antagonist for Livewire. His ability involves the harnessing of memories to emotionally cripple his opponents, and he spares no regard for attacking Amanda while she is defenseless. It is through these memories where we can see that Amanda’s battle isn’t with Pan, but ultimately, it is with herself. The self-doubt about her decision to fight her mentor, to abandon her friends, to attempt a revolution, and to watch as innocents die at her decisions has paid a heavy toll on her psyche. Is her heroism a lie? And does she deserve whatever fate Pan has in store for her? The pages come to life as the two wage a battle with both words and powers alike.

Let’s give the letterer, Saida Temofonte, a shout out here. The lettering work really plays into the headspace that Livewire is in, with internal doubts on display coupled with Pan’s monologue. Readers can take how difficult it is to balance these in comic books, but it takes real talent and placement to convey the exact moment that the writer is going for. This comic once again shows its clean professionalism to go along with its impeccable storytelling.

I have said this before and I will say it again, go buy these books. Livewire #4 is a fast-paced battle packed issue that concludes some previous mysteries and still propels the novel forward. I am excited for the next entry into this fantastic series.

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Ryan Files is an avid comic book and video game consumer, reviewer, and critic hailing from the boondocks of Illinois. He has taken his ethnographic cultural studies background and applied it to his love of geekdom. He is a huge Star Wars nerd, Castlevania fanatic, and his power level is definitely over 9000. When he isn’t online writing about how he misses old school beat em’ ups like Final Fight, Streets of Rage, or TMNT IV Turtles in Time, he raises his 3 Dora Milaje warrior girls with the most awesome wife a blerd could ask for. You can reach the mumbly one @moblipeg on Twitter or email him at moblipeg@gmail.com.