SNOW MONKEY #4 – The Cat’s Out of the Bag

Creative Team – Jason Shaw(writer). ENN(art/cover). Chuck Obach(colors). Saida Temofonte(letters).

Published by Red 5 Comics

Catch up with Snow Monkey #3 here!

The Story

Living the life of a teenager is hard enough, but living the life of a teenage superhero takes difficult to a whole other level. On the outside, Jennifer Gaitlin is nothing more than a normal teenager who just so happens to be the daughter of a crime lord who has his own teenage warriors, The Dragons, run her school. However, what people don’t see is that she is the mighty Snow Monkey, who puts on the ancient helmet of Wukong and gains the experiences and abilities of the warriors before her. While the mythical Snow Monkey has been relatively unknown to the public up until this point, something was different when Jennifer walked into her high school.

As Jennifer walks into school, she realizes something is very off about the rest of the student body. Their eyes, widened with shock, are all glued to their phones. Jennifer can’t possibly guess what they’re looking at, but the moment she realizes what it is, her heart falls into her stomach. Unbeknownst to the students, they’re looking at a video of Jennifer as the Snow Monkey. One of the Dragons Jennifer faught with must have filmed their big fight and posted it. The students are chanting “SnoMo” over and over in their excitement, while Jennifer tries to get her thoughts together.

It seems that everyone is aboard the “SnoMo” excitement train as even Jennifer’s counselor, Miss Erin, shows her enthusiasm for the hero. While in a meeting with her, Miss Erin shows her concern for Jennifer as she walked in with bruises from her fight the night prior. Miss Erin voices her worries for her, but Jennifer makes it very clear that she isn’t self harming anymore, and a sigh of relief is visible on her counselors face. Thought she feels comfort in knowing that Jennifer is taking her frustrations out in painting, that doesn’t stop Miss Erin from giving Jennifer’s father, The Sensei, a call about the fighting.

While all of this is happening, Jennifer still has to worry about her mysterious and magical foe that just so happens to know her identity now. It seems everywhere Jennifer turns to get a break, there’s another problem around the corner waiting for her. But is any problem too big for the Snow Monkey? Time will tell.

The Writing

Jason Shaw has been extraordinary consistent in the quality of his writing in Snow Monkey and that shows very well with the final issue. Shaw is able to find a perfect balance the normal life of a teenager, and the exciting secret life of a superhero, allowing the story to flow perfectly. What Shaw really excels at is establishing the tone of the comic and making the reader feel the emotions of the story.

In this case, you can feel Jennifer starting to get overwhelmed. Overwhelmed at the school finding out about Snow Monkey, her counselor, her mysterious foe, and even her father who is now posing an even bigger problem than before. It’s coming at Jennifer from all sides with showing no signs of slowing down, and Shaw made you feel that tension brilliantly.

The Art

The artwork was handled by ENN, Chuck Obach, and Saida Temofonte, and these artists continue to impress. ENN was the artist of Snow Monkey #4 while Chuck Obach was the colorist, and both worked really well together with enhancing the drawings with the dynamic contrasting colors. Alongside them is Saida Temofonte, who handles the lettering. Temofonte keeps the story flowing at an excellent pace, while elevating the toen of the story through the dialogue.

Final Thoughts

Snow Monkey #4 does a fantastic job at keeping you hooked into the story and leaves you wanting so much more. With so much happening in Jennifer Gaitlin’s life, it really does feel like things are just getting started for the Snow Monkey. Getting confirmation at the end that Jennifer’s story will continue in Snow Monkey: Problem Child and an epilogue of what’s to come makes me very excited.

Overall Grade – 8.7/10

You can find Snow Monkey here!

This review was written by Megan from the Vigilante Vibes Podcast. If you liked my review, be sure to check out my other reviews! Let me know what you think of Snow Monkey #4, or tell me what comics you’d recommend me trying out! Find me on my socials, and check out my Marvel podcast, Vigilante Vibes, by clicking here!