“I’ve been wonderin’ when I’d finally break a sweat…” With polished dialogue and compelling characters, action mounts in Fabian Nicieza and Stefano Raffaele’s “The High, Hard Shaft: Part 4—Like a Hole in the Head” as Hawkeye’s investigation of a Vietnam cover-up leads to the search for a hidden temple in Laos. Hawkeye’s back in costume, armed with trick arrows, and determined to finally end this deadly mystery.
The story starts with a flashback of Hawkeye ineffectively chasing a bus in the hopes of accompanying his big brother to join the army. This flashback sets the story’s theme—hesitation leads to loneliness and death—and helps explain Hawkeye’s later impulsiveness. But despite the sad memories and ensuing tragedies, the issue is humorous—especially when Hawkeye contacts his new librarian lover to bail him out of jail. “I did say I’d call you…”
In the art, Raffaele excels in depicting Hawkeye’s skills. When Hawkeye assaults another veteran, the archery is thrilling and swift. Plus, the return of the costume during this scene is a welcomed sight. But the most impressive art is in capturing Peppermint’s distress. Shifting expressions and dripping mascara reinforce the tragedy of the stripper’s situation and finally establishes her as a sympathetic character.
Overall: A
