Advance Review — Strong Illustrations Save ‘Murder Inc.: Jagger Rose’ #4

In comic books, sometimes the best writing comes when there is no text on the page. Occasionally it’s better to let the artist to all the storytelling – allowing the visuals to convey feelings and nuances that mere words could never communicate.

That’s the case in the latest issue of Murder Inc.: Jagger Rose. Fortunately for readers, they have artist Michael Avon Oeming to do the real storytelling. That is a good thing given that the actual story in this transitional issue is quite thin.

After meeting with the pope in previous issues, Jagger Rose becomes the first female boss of one of the five notorious mafia families that largely rules this fictionalized version of the US. Most of the issue depicts her closed-door ascension ceremony as well as the celebratory dinner afterwards. There’s even a moment where she steps outside onto a balcony to greet her adoring public – a la when a new pope is elected.

Oeming takes a lot of latitude with these scenes, often using double-page spreads to illustrate the enormity of the given circumstances. The dialogue is barely there or even completely absent at times, leaving readers to bask in Oeming’s strong artwork. Taki Soma’s usually vibrant colors are a bit more subdued this issue, given most of the action – such as it is – takes place in darkened rooms or at night.

What little text writer Brian Michael Bendis provides moves the story along, but the pacing is curious. If it weren’t for Oeming’s grand illustrations, the issue’s action could have been conveyed in just a few pages. It would feel a lot more like filler if not for Oeming’s expertise.

Bendis leaves readers with a cliffhanger, which should get the action moving again. It’s needed because the illustrations alone shouldn’t have to carry this title.

Murder Inc.: Jagger Rose #4 will be available for purchase on August 9, 2023.