“Red Roots #4” Review – The Roots Grow Deeper and Deeper

The Run Down

With so many issues in, one might think that the story will slow down, but it hasn’t yet. If you missed the previous issue, our main characters got stuck in the middle of a war that isn’t theirs. Well, at least they didn’t think it was. Now, they’re being left to question not just how they got here, but why, and how they can leave. Well, if you dare to know, continue following Shawn and me as we review “Red Roots #4”!

Writer, Artist & Colorist: Lorenzo De Felici
Letterer: Rus Wooten

The Writing

Shawn: What a thrill ride! Lorenzo De Felici really ratchets up the drama and intrigue this issue. “Red Roots #4” saw us get so many more answers to questions we’ve had since the first issue, but with those answers come new questions.

One of the beautiful things about this series is the way De Felici crafts such a rich narrative that is not dependent on deep lore. While the world is beautiful, it is refreshing to know that at many points, you know just as much as the inhabitants. Perhaps more background will be revealed as the story continues, but right now it feels as if De Felici is crafting a beautiful mousetrap. Every issue answers enough questions to keep me satisfied, while giving me enough new questions to make me desperate for the next issue.

Eda: De Felici really just continues to add layers on top of layers as the run goes on. This issue in particular has so many story-changing implications that it’s astounding. To sort of help explain what I mean, this story now feels more like a commentary on life and the human condition. If that’s Felici’s goal here, then he’s doing a fantastic job.

Issue by issue, I become more and more invested in this world and its characters. I believe the next issue is the last, but I really don’t want it to be. There’s starting to be so much here in terms of lore and story that I want to see so much more of it.

The Art

Shawn: De Felici again manages to craft a stunning issue, both narratively and visually. The Dam feels lived in and unique. Despite many fantasy elements in the story, the art and narrative continue to make it feel unique. The close-up panels on characters like Kate cause the emotions to fly off the page.

This issue in particular does a beautiful job of conveying a wide range of emotions from hope to resignation. The coloring on the panels perfectly helps set the tone for the issue. De Felici adds a certain grid to the story with his art style, but it’s done so in a way that you can tell the style is the mark of a good artist and not badly done. When the art feels chaotic, or the lines feel a little dirty, it’s done in a way that you know it’s intentional, not accidental.

Eda: De Felici’s art here continues to be absolutely impeccable. My absolute favorite thing about it in this issue had to be the facial expressions. They served as a fantastic way to let us know what the characters were feeling and to help us feel it alongside them. When you can feel what the characters do, it becomes that much easier to get sucked into the story and the world.

I also particularly loved the wide variance in colors. With just how many there were and how well they blended, it made this world feel truly more alive and lived in. Coupled with the character expressions and designs, the world within “Red Roots” almost feels real.

Final Thoughts

Shawn: This series continues to stun issue after issue. The curtain is pulled back and you feel satisfied only to find a tiny door leading you to the next adventure. “Red Roots #4” is narratively satisfying and visually stunning.

Eda: Everything about this issue is fantastic. Both the writing and the artwork continue to be some of the best out there right now, while the lettering from Rus Wooten is excellent. While I’m beyond excited to see where this goes, I know I’ll be sad to see it end.

Shawn’s Grade: 10/10
Eda’s Grade: 10/10
Overall Grade: 10/10

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Comments

Have you been reading “Red Roots”? What’re you thoughts on the latest issue? Let’s discuss in the comments below!