While lacking in the way of forward plot progression, “Ten Grand” #4 earns its keep thanks to an engrossingly tragic sub-plot.
Oh, and Ben Templesmith.
Written by J. Michael Straczynski
Illustrated by Ben TemplesmithJoe Fitzgerald has been to heaven many times…or at least someplace that looks a lot like heaven if you didn’t know any better. But now he’s going somewhere he’s never been before: into Hell itself, in pursuit of the woman he loves. What he finds there will change his life forever.
Before we start, is anyone else as amazed as I am that this book is still on schedule?
“Ten Grand” #4 is a bit of an odd duck. After last issue’s tragic, game-changing cliffhanger, this issue takes a bit of a detour with an extensively detailed subplot. Even though this negatively impacts the momentum JMS has built thus far, the introduction of Julie the ghost adds yet another brilliantly tragic layer to this already dismal book.
A seemingly small character, the wistfully sad Julie, encompasses much of what “Ten Grand” has come to stand for in its short run. Central themes of classic ghost stories of control, of loneliness, and of purpose are central to Joe’s status quo. Likewise, the character is a less overt example of Joe letting down the women close to him, a theme that has played a key role in recent issues. With as much time as JMS spends fleshing out Julie’s backstory and her sad dependence on Joe, it’s a safe bet this isn’t the last time we’ll see her.
Also worth noting is artist Ben Templesmith’s hauntingly (haha, I am truly sorry for that) beautiful portrayal of Julie’s spirit form. Rather than utilizing a traditional “translucent human” depiction of ghostly form, Templesmith’s ghost are a collection of luminescent lines, bearing only the suggestion of the once human form. Still, Templesmith manages to convey a suitable level of emotion and feeling through these framework characters through oversized features and exaggerated body languages, as with Julie’s garish glowing mouth. It’s a refreshing take on a well worn supernatural concept.
The rest of the issue is decidedly less complex; a knockdown, drag out fight into Hell. This allows Templesmith to truly let loose, showcasing an assortment of supernatural and mystical weaponry, including runed brass knuckles and what could possibly be the flaming sword borne by the angelic guardian of Eden. Since the beginning of “Ten Grand,” it’s been hard to separate the similarities between Joe and the late Vertigo version of John Constantine, with Joe’s supernatural know-how and devil may care attitude. That isn’t to say Joe is a derivative character, rather, JMS has done a fantastic job building up the character and his motivations thus far, which unlike Constantine’s are considerably less self-centered. Still, it’s definitely nice to see some basic conceits of the Liverpudlian mage live on here.
Having hinted at it already, Templesmith continues to kill it on this book. His dark, scratchy style is a bit hectic and hard to follow at times, which works well for the dark places that fester beneath the surface of Joe’s world. However, even with the dark subject matter, Templesmith’s style retains a whimsical quality not present in some of his other works, creating a “dark fairytale”-esque atmosphere.
While the pacing and structure leave something to be desired, with much of the issue devoted to fleshing out a side-story that has (seemingly) little to do with the major conflict at hand. However, the level of strong characterization and emotional development at play here is commendable. As always, Ben Templesmith’s art is worth the price of admission alone, as it’s a continual treat to see him craft new sections of this world month in and out.
Final Verdict: 8.2 – Buy.
