Millennia Of Loneliness And Death: ‘The Old Guard: Force Multiplied #4’ Reviewed
by Josh Davison
Mild Spoilers Ahead
Andy looks back on her entire life. She recalls her first battle and the first time she died. She remembers the loneliness she felt for the centuries she was unable to find anyone like herself and she remembers how that was broken when she finally found Noriko. In the present, Andy and Noriko are finally talking one-on-one about everything and Noriko explains the enlightenment she attained while drowning for centuries. Meanwhile, Nicky and Joe are confronting Copley. They want to know why he’s back and what his plans are. Elsewhere, Agent King and Nicky are having a heart-to-heart of their own.
Old Guard: Force Multiplied #4 finds Andy reflecting on her long, long existence once again. She remembers her long misery that was finally interrupted by the arrival of Noriko. She’s forced to contrast all of that with the kind of person Noriko has become. It’s a heartfelt and deep dive into Andy and we see more of what motivates her and what haunts her.
We also get to see how Noriko changed and what she is now. That is a bit less interesting, as it seems to amount to a fairly standard god complex and violent misanthropy. It’s nothing new and it doesn’t relate to the centuries of drowning in any direct way.
Copley’s story, by contrast, is pretty interesting. It’s almost an inverse of Noriko; his experience with the Old Guard, as a mortal, has left him feeling blessed by the gods. It’s given him renewed purpose and a compulsion to do good.
Leandro Fernández once again brings an excellent visual treatment to the book, especially in the panorama landscapes we are shown. He’s also exceedingly skilled in showing the subtle emotions on a face and he plays with shadow quite well. Daniela Miwa’s color work continues to be excellent as well, creating the perfect atmosphere and mood for each page.
Old Guard: Force Multiplied #4 is an especially strong issue for this mini-series. We are given a deep dive into Andy’s past and psyche and are given a contrast in the vengeful Noriko. We also get some good character beats from Nile and Copley. All in all, it’s a damn good comic and earns a recommendation. Feel free to give this one a read.
Old Guard: Force Multiplied #4 comes to us from writer Greg Rucka, artist and cover artist Leandro Fernández, color artist Daniela Miwa, and letterer Jodi Wynne.
Final Score: 8.5/10