REVIEW: Busted Russian nesting dolls in Winter Guard #4
In Winter Guard #4 by Ryan Cady, Jan Bazaldua, Federico Blee with Fernando Sifuentes, and Ariana Maher, with a main cover by Toni Infante, we get the conclusion to this four-issue series. Over the course of the story, we’ve gone from something of a murder mystery all the way into a superhero-style exploration of conflicting Russian political perspectives… and the conclusion embodies a wholly satisfying ending to this miniseries!
Winter Guard #4
The Winter Guard #4. Photo Credit: Marvel Comics.
Throughout this four-issue series, we’ve gotten an intimate look at the Winter Guard, which is the Russian answer to the Avengers. This team includes characters who serve as foils for the Avengers, such as Vanguard, who is a foil for Captain America, and Ursa Major, a foil for the Hulk.
Photo Credit: Marvel Comics.
These foil characters really pay off when they begin to discuss their various perspectives on the actions of the Red Guardian, who seems as though he will be guided by his idealism and set in action a course of events that will lead to anarchy. While some of the heroes who make up the Winter Guard hope to stop his mission, other characters on the Russian team, like Perun (who is a foil for Thor), start to see the appeal of Red Guardian’s mission.
Photo Credit: Marvel Comics.
On top of an engaging story, many of the pages in this issue feature incredible layouts. One features a bunch of Russian nesting dolls interspersed between the panels, and others have the characters appearing behind panels that partially obscure them. This makes the images on the pages as interesting to look at as the thematic exploration happening in the dialogue!
Red Guardian: A Russian Hero?
Overall, this issue is a very satisfying end to a very satisfying four-issue arc. If you haven’t had a chance to pick up this story about the Winter Guard, the Russian Avengers, then you should consider looking into the Trade Paperback (TPB) of The Winter Guard, which will be available at your local comic shop (LCS) soon!
Photo Credit: Marvel Comics.
Have you had a chance to read this issue yet, Marvel Blog True Believers? Share your thoughts with us in the comment section!
