Review: ‘Hairball’ #4 Isn’t Exactly The Cat’s Meow

The end is an odd time to add some background. Then again, defying expectations is something that writer Matt Kindt does all the time.

Kindt’s wonderfully weird mind is responsible for a number of memorable stories, including Grass Kings, Dept. H and the recent Super Spy. In Hairball, though, waiting until the final issue in a limited series to give some fairly confusing background doesn’t advance the story in the way he likely thought it would.

The issue begins with a flashback to ancient Egypt, which was known for its worship of cats. A war erupts between Egyptians and Persians over the treatment of a feline. That is, apparently, enough of a segue for Kindt to bring his unnamed protagonist to Athens in search of Bestie, the cat she feared and even tried to burn alive in past chapters.

In Athens, the girl – now a woman since three years have passed since we last saw her – tracks down Bestie’s new owner, Zoe Doyle. Zoe is equally scared of the cat, but her boyfriend is downright hostile toward it. The girl decides to deal with the situation. While her final resolution seems to come out of nowhere, Kindt has sprinkled some clues, particularly in the last issue.

The illustrations by Tyler Jenkins are heavily stylized, but shockingly reminiscent of Kindt’s own artwork in other series. That said, Kidnt’s illustrations – which can come off as a bit unrefined – aren’t for everyone. It doesn’t hurt that Hilary Jenkins’ colors add to the organic feel of the drawings. The pair also makes a keen distinction between the flashbacks and the present day, yet giving both the same vibe.

Hairball has been an interesting series, but one that could use fewer flashbacks and a bit more explanation.

Hairball #4 i currently available for purchase.