PopCultHQ received a preview copy of JACKPOT! #4 from AfterShock Comics. Just hitting newsstands this past New Comic Book Day (NCBD), Wednesday, November 16th, the creative team for this issue features writing from Ray Fawkes, illustrator Georges Duarte, colorist Stefani Rennee, lettering by Comicraft, and series cover artist Brian Stelfreeze.
If you’d like to get up to speed,
check out PopCultHQ’s reviews of prior issues of JACKPOT!.
No worries, all reviews are spoiler-free:
JACKPOT! #1
JACKPOT! #2
JACKPOT! #3
Synopsis for JACKPOT! #4:
Artist: Georges Duarte
Colorist: Stefani Rennee
Cover Artist: Brian Stelfreeze
PopCultHQ’s Comic Book Review:
JACKPOT! #4
“Any Good Hustle”
After a brief hiatus, Jackpot! has returned and the action hasn’t slowed down! The intro was unexpected but a pretty sweet idea…open with a “Tips on the Tricks of the Trade,” if you will. And it’s with this tip that sets the stage for the story “Any Good Hustle.”
Even though it’s been a few months since I read the last issue, within the very first page you become absorbed right back into this caper. I love how the story is laid out in this issue, almost as acts in a play.
The Tease. The Hook. Reel It In.
Writer Ray Fawkes has created the most intriguing, cunning, and sharp heist story I’ve read in a comic book. There aren’t many in this “genre,” if you will, but Fawkes takes his expertise and tenure in the comic book community and sets the new standard for action-filled heist stories. And it’s a fairly high bar, too.
I noticed in the credits that Marco Failla, who covered illustrations for issues one through three, was replaced with artist Georges Duarte. I’ve seen the cover for issue five (see below) and Failla’s name is back on the cover. Perhaps the pic of #5 is an older cover not reflecting a change in artists or that Duarte is simply filling in for one issue. Regardless, Jackpot!‘s success has been its strong relationship between the story and subsequent art. Issue four continues that tradition and produces a visually thrilling experience and a mind-trip all at once. Glad to see Stefani Rennee still attached to the project as his work brings a lot of depth and life to each panel.
On a personal level, being a fan and collector myself, I look forward to each issue of Jackpot!‘s release for a number of reasons. But series cover artist Brian Stelfreeze has me sprung on his cover art of each issue to date. I love the look, feel, and just overall appearance that captures what’s on the inside. Issues 1-4 are all frame-worthy (got just the spot) and #5 looks sick!
PopCultHQ’s overall assessment:
Issue four impressed me. After July 7th’s release of Jackpot! #3, the intensity was high and a surprising twist was revealed. But when four months pass, you have to wonder if the creative team can recreate that momentum. They did. They have. It is as if no time has passed since I last picked up a copy. Not only that, but it built on the already high-level of action, adventure, and excitement established one issue earlier. The story is rich, the art is distinct, and it’s a great getaway book (for when you need to get-away, but I guess also the criminal aspect of the word).
Jackpot! is a great addition to the AfterShock family. With titles like Dreaming Eagles, Rough Riders, inSEXts, and Black-Eyed Kids, plus recently released series as Alters and Animosity, AfterShock Comics has propelled themselves as major contenders in the indie comic book field in 2016. By adding Jackpot! to its stable, the publisher has a monster sleeper hit on their hands. This is the only series we have reviewed which received three 5-star ratings in a row, let alone the first three issues, and there’s a reason for that. This is excitement personified; an explosive story, a beguiling cast of characters, and a look you want from a fantastic heist!
.
PopCultHQ’s Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars
Jackpot! #4 can be purchased now
on Amazon and ComiXology for 50% off,
or at your local comic shop and various online retailers.
Synopsis for JACKPOT! #5:
Artist: Marco Failla
Colorist: Stefani Rennee
Cover Artist: Brian Stelfreeze
Available: December 28, 2016
.
This is it! The secret history of the world! The end of an era! Bloodshed and backstabbing! And the ascension of a new God. Everything’s going to turn out for the best, right?
T H E ~ C R E A T I V E ~ R E V O L U T I O N ~ S T A R T S ~ H E R E !
Be sure to follow the creative team!
Writer – Ray Fawkes
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/RayFawkes13
Twitter:
https://twitter.com/rayfawkes
Website:
http://www.rayfawkes.com/
Artist – Georges Duarte
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/georgesduartecomics
Twitter:
https://twitter.com/Georges_Duarte
Colorist – Stefani Rennee
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/stefani.rennee
Twitter:
https://twitter.com/renneearts
DeviantArt:
http://rennee.deviantart.com/
One response to “PopCultHQ Comic Book Review: ‘JACKPOT!’ #4 from AfterShock Comics”