“Ripcord #5” Review – A Rip Roaring Finale

The Run Down

At long last, we’ve now sadly reached the end of Cullen Bunn’s “Ripcord”. If you’ve been following since I reviewed issue #2, then you’ll know just how much I’ve loved this series. From the unforgiving dread to the almost grindhouse feel, “Ripcord” has been amazing since the beginning, and that didn’t stop here.

In the previous issue, we saw Dillon was finally able to rip her sister from the clutches of Sera and her Ripcord fiends. Will they be able to fully escape? Or will they fall to Sera’s clutches? Find out with me as I take a look at “Ripcord #5”!

Writer: Cullen Bunn
Artist: Aneke Murillenem
Colorist: Patricia Martin Samaniego
Letters: AndWorld Design

The Writing

Throughout this whole run, Bunn has delivered an adrenaline rush of horror, and it doesn’t stop here. The Ripcord fiends are at the throats of our main characters, making us feel the pressure alongside them. Let me tell you, that pressure doesn’t let up, especially in the twists. One scene in particular made me think of “Obsession,” and I had to wince back in pain. When you read, you’ll know exactly what I’m talking about.

As for the story itself, I feel like things ended exactly as they were supposed to. That being said, it also leaves me with a lot of questions. Where will our characters go from here? What happens to them? Although I suppose that can be a good hallmark for horror and opens things for a sequel! A sequel that is much deserved, mind you.

The Art

In regard to the art and colors, Aneke and Samaniego absolutely rocked it like they always do. Here, Bunn really seems to have put a lot of trust in these two, and I’m so glad he did. The art here truly tells the story.

While reading, it’s easy to tell that Aneke put a lot of effort into the faces and body language. They both reek of pain, desperation, and fear or courage. Dillon walks tall, entering confrontations and facing the consequences of her actions with determination and confidence. Meanwhile, Janelle constantly looks like she’s fearing for her life and always unsure of what to do. All of this really works to help readers get our minds inside the heads of these characters, and it’s awesome.

As for the colors, Samaniego consistently works to give everything this edgy grind-house aesthetic that just works. The red fits not solely the violence, but the sheer intensity of it. Every organ and piece of clothing looks delicately colored but with a fine edge that my eyes couldn’t get enough of. That carried through every fantastic issue.

Final Thoughts

Despite leaving things with several open-ended questions, “Ripcord” was able to mostly stick the landing. Cullen Bunn truly gave this his all while Aneke, Samaniego, and AndWorld Designed rocked it everywhere else. “Ripcord” is a rip-roaring great time from start to finish.

Overall Grade: 9.5/10

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Comments

Have you kept up on “Ripcord”? Are you as sad as I am to see it end? Let’s discuss in the comments below!