Dawnrunner #4 [Review]
Dawnrunner #4, written by Ram V and illustrated by Evan Cagle, is an electrifying addition to this spectacular sci-fi series. This issue plunges readers into chaos with the arrival of a new and terrifying type of Tetza, known simply as "Prime." Its immense power swiftly dispatches six Iron Kings and their pilots, leaving only Anita and the Dawnrunner as the last line of defense.
The intensity of Anita's battle with Prime is matched by the emotional depth of her evolving connection with Ichi. As she struggles against Prime's overwhelming force, Anita learns more about Ichi's life before the Tetza invasion—moments of peace and cherished memories with his children. These glimpses into Ichi's past stand in stark contrast to Anita's war-torn existence, offering her a foreign yet poignant perspective.
Amidst the relentless combat, Anita confides in Ichi about her profound helplessness as she watches her daughter's health decline due to the Tetza's disease. Her desperation to save lives is a bid to cope with the one life she fears she cannot save. This shared vulnerability between Anita and Ichi culminates in a profound realization: "We will save what we can." With this shared philosophy, Anita, Ichi, and the Dawnrunner undergo a transformation, evolving into a new form capable of challenging Prime—but at what cost?
Ram V masterfully establishes the stakes from the outset, dropping readers into the aftermath of Prime's arrival and letting them absorb the sheer scale of destruction it has caused. The narrative oscillates between Anita and Ichi's poignant conversations and the ferocious battle against Prime, creating a gripping and emotionally charged reading experience.
Anita's candid revelations about her motivations for piloting Iron Kings and her relentless fight against the Tetza highlight her deep-seated pain and determination. Ram V's writing captures Anita's anguish with the same lyrical prose that garnered acclaim in The Many Deaths of Laila Starr.
Evan Cagle's artwork excels in bringing the formidable Prime Tetza to life, rendering it as a nightmarish creature reminiscent of Lovecraftian horrors. The climactic splash page near the issue's conclusion is particularly striking—an intricate and haunting tableau that evokes the grandeur of a medieval painting.
Overall, Dawnrunner #4 solidifies the series' status as a must-read. The seamless blend of high-stakes action and deep emotional resonance keeps readers fully invested in the narrative and its characters. While some familiar tropes from anime might be recognizable, Ram V and Evan Cagle's execution in comic format brings a fresh and exhilarating twist that will undoubtedly excite fans.
Ram V and Evan Cagle have crafted something truly special with Dawnrunner. As we head towards what promises to be an explosive finale, I am eager to see how this incredible journey unfolds. This issue leaves me hopeful that the series will not only stick the landing, but use it as a springboard to soar to even greater heights.
