Advance Review: Peter J. Tomasi Delivers A Great Script For `Blood Tree’ #4

In the mind of Blood Tree’s killer, the sins of the father are visited upon the son, and the daughter, and the grandkids, heck, even the grandparents.

For several issues, Owen Fincher, known as the Wingman and the Angel Killer, has terrorized New York City by dressing up seemingly innocent people as angels, then killing them in dramatic ways, including hanging them from trees and bridges. These innocents are family members of killers. They’ve done nothing wrong themselves, they just have rotten bloodlines.

Fincher sees them differently, though. “Blood begets blood,” he taunts one of the detectives on the case.

This latest issue is an emotional page-turner thanks to Peter J. Tomasi’s great script. While the story has been interesting up to this point, it’s been fairly formulaic. Now, it’s personal for Detective Dario Azzaro for reasons that can’t be revealed without giving too much away. But by shifting the focus of the story, Tomasi has transformed the routine to the mesmerizing. It’s a great and unexpected change that elevates the entire limited series.

Unfortunately, the artwork is still holding the story back. Artist Maxim Simic’s style is too basic for this tale. Each character looks the same in every panel. There’s no telling if they’re excited or mad or running for their lives. Granted, the story deals with hardened detectives, but we should be able to understand what is happening with reading every word bubble. Frankly, Tomasi’s script deserves better.

Colorist John Kalisz provides some pop on the pages at the right times. New York is a dark place, particularly when serial killers are involved. But Kalisz provides a nice sunrise as well as some other touches that help to brighten the mood.

Tomasi is at the top of his game. With only two more issues left in the series, hopefully the artwork can follow his lead.

Blood Tree #4 will be available for purchase on Wednesday.