Review: Fathom Vol. 3 #4

For years, I knew of Fathom because of the great art of the late great Michael Turner provided for the title, but I never really read this book. This is something I needed to correct, so I gave the book a shot. Now, going into this issue I am fully aware that Turner’s art was not going to be in the book and that I had missed several volumes of the series, and yet my curiosity got the best of me and I still decided to give this book a try.

The issue starts off with Aspen escaping the examination table back into the ocean. The story goes on to explain that there is something strange happening in this new ocean, but she doesn't fully understand why this new depth is so weird. Aspen also discovers the fossilized animal that secrets the oil the Shiek was looking for. What she notices is that the oil that is secreted by this animal is very similar to something that her people use. 

Aspen does further exploring around the depth and she accidentally touches a liquid looking portal that sends her inside a building. Upon entering she sees a person that she thought was long dead. The character that is revealed in the issue goes on to explain how he survived from his death, and it also described as having a change of heart after the events of that dreadful day.

I was entertained. Even though I had missed a lot of information from the first three issues of the story, I was able to somewhat understand what is going on in the book. Thanks to the brief intro at the beginning of this issue. Clearly the issue is trudging along in the story and Aspen has a big character reveal. The character reveal does provide lot information on himself; it explains his intentions but I do not think that he might be the big baddy on this story. Something tells me that he might just be a pawn of something bigger.

The art in the book was not the strongest it felt a bit muddy and rushed. The ink was a bit thick, and the colors did not pop enough. Even though the art was not appealing, it does not take you away from reading through the story. Overall, Fathom was an entertaining read. The art was lacking, but the story does move along and it provides a good character reveals for people who follow the series since its beginning.

Score: 3/5

Writer: Scott Lobdell

Artist: Alex Konat and Corey Smith

Publisher: Aspen Comics

Price: $3.50

Release Date: 2/1/2012