“Red Roots #5” Review – The Penultimate Penumbra

The Run Down

Well, here we are folks. The penultimate issue of “Red Roots” by Lorenzo De Felici. It’s been a long, long road for us and our friends in the horrifying fantasy land, but the trip is almost at its end. Following up on the fantastic previous issue, Dan and Kate both find themselves in rather unexpected places! Will they be able to find each other and make it home in one piece? Find out with Shawn and I as we review “Red Roots #5”!

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

The Writing

Shawn: I had no clue, looking into this issue of Red Roots, how deep it would go. Lorenzo De Felici takes what has been a fantasy so far and makes it intensely personal in a way that so many people can connect with. I really enjoy that De Felici continues to give us glimpses into the relationship between Dan and Kate and how it grows and develops. Red Roots #5 moved from a wonderful story to a powerful connection

Eda: In a way that I haven’t felt in awhile, this issue moved me in a very personal way. Without going into too much detail, De Felici describes a horror that feels all too real: the horror of genetics in relation to health. This is not only a great way to bring something back from the first issue, but to make these characters still feel relatable this many issues in. During that particular scene, I came close to tears as the sickness being described is something my great-grandma had. It hits in such a way that people will resonate with and the subject matter was tackled beautifully.

The Art

Shawn: Every issue of Red Roots that I pick up, I’m in awe of De Felici’s ability to not only tell a magnificent story but to beautifully draw the story as well. There are some heavy emotional moments in this issue, and thanks to the amazing work from De Felici, you can feel that on the pages. Such a depth of emotion in a horror story was a gamble, but De Felici bet on himself. He gambled that he would be able to maintain the story while also allowing the art to connect with the story, and it does so in a wonderful way. The lines, the colors, every part of De Felici’s art feels so purposeful and arranged to make this story the best it can be. Rus Wooten does a really impressive job of capturing the action and the story in a way that lets the story and art sing while keeping the flow of the story.

Eda: Once again, De Felici absolutely knocked it out of the park here just as he always does. The character expressions here in particular were absolutely captivating. Not only did they sell the emotional beats perfectly, but they elevated this story into something so much more than the horror genre. Sometimes, you’ll feel a character’s sadness by seeing how real it looks. Other times, you’ll gain a sense of unease due to a micro-expression a character makes. Everything here is designed to be intentional and it works.

When it comes to the lettering by Rus Wooten, what can I say that hasn’t been said before? The way he designs his lettering truly helps sell each scene. When an alarm clock goes off, you can almost hear it, knowing the exact sound. When a door slams, you feel the rumble beneath your feet. Rus Wooten truly continues to deliver on the lettering and it’s amazing to see.

Final Thoughts

Shawn: Red Roots continues to be one of the best series premiering this year. Lorenz De Felici captures your heart and your mind with Red Roots #5. The issue both heart-wrenching and terrifying.

Eda: Lorenzo De Felici continues to deliver on “Red Roots” in all the ways that matter. This issue elevates this story so far beyond your average horror series, becoming something of its own. If you’re in need of a genre defining and defying story, “Red Roots” is that and more.

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

Read more from Shawn here and check out his Instagram!

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Comments

Have you been reading “Red Roots”? Are you anxious for what might happen in the finale? Let’s discuss in the comments below!