The Schlub #5: Tumultuous Twists and Cinematic Confrontations

Creative Team: Ryan Stegman, Kenny Porter, Tyrell Cannon, Mike Spicer and John J. Hill

The Schlub has been a Nerd Initiative Bullpen favorite ever since it has come out. With the penultimate issue on deck we have not one, but 2 bullpen reviewers chomping at the bit to tell you all about it! Without further ado let’s dive into it!

Check out Issue 4 Review Here!

The Writing:

Marty:

The Schlub #5 unfolds as a masterful symphony of storytelling, orchestrated by the brilliant minds of Ryan Stegman, Kenny Porter, Tyrell Cannon, Mike Spicer, and John J. Hill. In this penultimate issue, the stakes soar to unprecedented heights as Roger and Cirrus grapple with the formidable threat of Wyrm. The creative team pulls no punches, delivering a narrative that takes unexpected twists, manipulating the emotional pulse of readers.

The writing in this issue is a revelation. A serious narrative turn catches readers off guard, pulling them into a rollercoaster of emotions. The unexpected events not only challenge the characters but also force us to question who the real villain of the story is. This layer of complexity adds a compelling depth to the narrative, keeping readers on the edge of their seats.

One of the series’ strengths has been the integration of B-list superheroes and sidekicks, injecting humor to balance the gravity of the plot. This issue continues this trend, offering a delightful blend of action and humor reminiscent of Sunday morning cartoons. It’s a testament to the creative team’s ability to navigate diverse tones within a single narrative.

As we approach the conclusion, there’s a palpable desire for more. The world of Maxterra, teased and hinted at throughout the series, feels expansive with untold stories waiting to be explored. It’s a testament to the world-building prowess of the creators that readers find themselves yearning for additional glimpses into this richly crafted realm.

Matt:

This is the Climax issue bringing the story to a head in this 6 issue arc. Stegman and Porter continue to bring their best with this series. Issue 5 delivers in a big way as we learn the true story behind Wrym and Cirrus. Everything we thought we knew was flipped upside down and lost in the shuffle is the fact that Roger has become the hero he had hidden deep down. I didn’t see this story taking this turn, which is a testament to these two and their ability to deliver fresh and hard-hitting new ideas in the Schlub.

The Art, Colors, Letters and Layouts:

Marty:

The artistic elements of The Schlub #5 are nothing short of spectacular. The cartoon-styled characters come to life with intricate detailing, especially evident in the visually stunning fight sequences between Cyrus and Wyrm. The cinematic quality is accentuated by dynamic paneling, cleverly mixing sizes and shapes to convey the fluidity of action.

The colors employed in this issue are a visual feast, enhancing the emotional resonance of each scene. The bold and bright palette not only reflects the characters’ struggles but also serves as a visual cue, amplifying the contrasting forces at play between Cyrus and Wyrm. The onomatopoeic expressions during explosive moments contribute to the overall immersive experience, giving the action sequences a visceral impact.

A standout visual highlight is the design of the Kaiju monsters wreaking havoc on the city. The attention to detail in their artwork, coupled with the chaos of the cityscape, creates a breathtaking spectacle that adds an extra layer of awe to the storyline.

Matt:

There are quite a few standouts in this issue for me art-wise as we know, Tyrell loves putting the absolute most love and respect into every panel. Sequences such as Cirrus in Roger’s body have his back burned and boiled and his clothes torn to shreds. All of the little things he does so well truly bring this run to life. The fight sequences have so much life to them as well. Tyrell has put fans on notice as he is a standout in the industry.

Final Thoughts:

Marty:

The Schlub issue 5 leaves readers teetering on the edge of their seats, eagerly anticipating the final chapter while simultaneously pining for more tales from the captivating world of Maxterra. This issue is a testament to the creative prowess of the team, successfully weaving a narrative tapestry that captivates and resonates with readers on multiple levels.

Overall Grade 9.5 out of 10

Want More Reviews From martystoked? Click HERE

Matt:

Once again, the entire crew on this comic comes together like the Power Rangers and their Megazord to create one badass unit. They have all combined to deliver one of the best issues a Superhero story has given us this year. Roger has grown before our eyes, and the twist the story has given us has us begging for there to be more after these six issues. I’m blown away by their ability to deliver an exciting new addition to the genre.  Superhero fatigue? Never heard of her after this issue.

Overall Grade 10 out of 10

Want more Reviews From Matt? Click HERE

Thanks for checking out our joint review for the NI Comics Bullpen. Let us know what comics you’re reading and hit us up on any social media platform! Marty can be found here and Matt can be found here! Untill next time…